"The spirit shall speak!" declared Rajah Brahman impressively.
A terrific scream came from Maude Garwood. The woman collapsed and fell to the floor. Rajah Brahman sat startled on his throne. The spirit was speaking— and its words were plain.
"I am the spirit of Dick Terry," came the voice. "Not long ago I was here with you — on the earthly plane. Now I have gone to the other world. I was murdered — murdered and there is the man who decreed my death!"
A hand appeared beside the floating face. Its long, shining finger pointed directly toward the enthroned mystic!
Gasps and cries sounded about the circle. All had seen Dick Terry alive. They recognized his features now. To Rajah Brahman, the thing was incredible!
Had Tony double-crossed him? No — that could not be possible! This looked like Dick Terry — it must be Dick Terry!
Yet Dick Terry was dead. His slayer, Barney Gleason, was here to-night. Martin Slade had been sure that Dick Terry was dead!
A sudden fear swept over the astonished faker. Reaching beneath his cobra robe, he drew a short, stub-nosed revolver. He paused, remembering the mistake of Professor Jacques. He had stopped just in time. To test this accusing form with a bullet could do no good. This was The Shadow's doing! Was this The Shadow, playing the part of Dick Terry?
Gaining sudden decision, Rajah Brahman leaped from his throne and hurled himself across the room, away from that head that floated in the darkness. He reached the wall switch, and was about to press it. Suddenly he realized that this would end his well-laid plans of many months. He must face this issue — face it without revealing the fact that he was a faker and a rogue.
"Back! Back, evil spirit!" he ordered, advancing through the dark. "Back to the other plane! Depart, thou lying spirit—"