"In addition to these statements, Miss Delmar claimed that the police had refused to let her call in the aid of outside investigators in connection with the Wellington murder. She appeared to be indignant over the matter."
"'I intend to press an investigation,' was her final statement. 'I want to uncover the real murderer. I have addressed an appeal to The Shadow, hoping that he will aid me in this work, but have been unable to learn where he can he reached.'"
"The Shadow?" questioned Butcher. "Who is he?"
"Some fellow supposed to be in New York," replied Major, with a short laugh. "They say he knows all about the gangsters, and fights them with their own methods. The girl is crazy, that's all. She'd better wait until Christmas, and send a letter to Santa Claus."
Ferret and Butcher joined in the laugh. Judge, however, seemed serious.
"It's no laughing matter," he asserted. "The girl offers no evidence, but she is on the right track. Don't forget that! We must not belittle anything that may mean danger."
"But this talk about The Shadow—" protested Major.
"It may be fact," said Judge seriously. "I am not surprised that you three have not heard of The Shadow. But I have! He has created quite a stir within the past few years, while you were away.
"He operates chiefly in New York; but his name was suggested in connection with a big clean-up that took place in Chicago. Middletown is a long way from New York, however. I don't think we have much to worry about here—"
He suddenly thought of his meeting with Deacon in the lobby. Reaching in his pocket, Judge extracted a folded sheet of paper. The others watched him as he opened and read it.