Even then, the sound of that mysterious laugh continued a fading echo.
The Shadow was on his way to the distant city of Middletown, where, at that very moment, crime and death were stalking!
Chapter VIII — Judge Decides
Ferret was the first to hear the bell. He signaled to his three companions, who were conversing in Judge's study.
"Is that Delmar?" he questioned.
Judge nodded. He motioned toward the door. Ferret, Major, and Butcher filed away and entered a dark, closed passage that led away from the study. They were out of sight when the maid arrived to announce Roland Delmar.
Two minutes later, a kindly, white-haired gentleman entered the study.
"Good evening, Mr. Traver," he said.
"Good evening, Mr. Delmar," replied the man whom his hidden companions knew as Judge. Roland Delmar sat down wearily. He looked across the desk toward Judge. There was a marked contrast between these men, despite the fact that they were about the same age. Delmar's hair was snow-white. His face was worn. He was a man who had lost enthusiasm in life. He was on the decline.
He might have been a lesson for Judge, whose gray hair and deep-furrowed face showed the marks of time. With a few more years, the contrast might be ended. But Judge made no comment, either concerning his visitor's appearance or his purpose in coming for this conference.