He had found out that the girl knew what was going on in Durgan’s business; and she had mentioned the name of Ernie Shires. Cliff had expressed an interest in the gangster, ostensibly because Shires had been a henchman of Tim Waldron. He knew that he could count on Madge for further information.
In that one brief hour, the girl had expressed a world of hate and contempt for Killer Durgan, whose mastery she detested. Such hatred had increased her desire to win Cliff.
Now Shires was in the hotel. Cliff had seen him come in, ten minutes ago. He had suspected the man’s identity. He had passed the desk while Shires was announcing his name to the clerk.
He knew that Ernie would be in Durgan’s apartment for a considerable length of time. He had taken this opportunity to report to The Shadow, through some intermediary — the man who had answered the phone.
Cliff waited quietly. The darkness was soothing; it gave him a feeling of security. Like The Shadow, he enjoyed the dark. He scented mystery and adventure looming ahead.
There was a light tap at the door. Cliff pressed his hand against the pocket of his coat and felt the automatic beneath. He stepped across the room.
“Who’s there?” he questioned softly.
“Cliff!” The name was spoken breathlessly by a feminine voice.
Instantly, Cliff opened the door. The light of the hallway revealed Madge Benton. The girl stepped quickly into the room. Cliff closed the door. Madge gripped his arms and clung closely to him in the darkness.
“Don’t turn on the light!” she whispered. “Listen! I have something to tell you!”