“Remember the name of Ernie Shires! When the time comes, you will have your turn. You will lay open the path that will lead to the doom of Ernie Shires!”
Cliff Marsland’s lips tightened grimly. He understood The Shadow’s meaning. This was Marsland’s own idea of retribution — it had been molded in him years before, when he had battled overseas; it had been hardened by the years of imprisonment that he had undergone.
“It is not your task to kill,” continued The Shadow. “That will remain for others. It is your task to wait — and to obey.
“When you leave here, double back to the street above the hotel. You will see a sedan awaiting you, at the entrance of the first alley. Enter it and go where you are instructed. You will have work to do.
“But now our time is short. Ernie Shires left this place unmolested because his presence was unknown. Your case is different. You have been watched from the moment you entered this hotel.
“Outside, in the hallway, men are waiting — the same men who observed you in the lobby. Fight your way through them! Go down the stairs beside the elevator. Escape by the street. Are you ready?”
Marsland grinned grimly. He nodded, tense with anticipation of the adventure that lay ahead.
“Pick up that gun!” ordered The Shadow, pointing to the table.
Marsland obeyed.
“Remember” — The Shadow’s voice was a hissing tone — “you are an escaping killer! Five seconds more, and you have no other choice! Wait there — by the doorway to the outer room.”