(Note: When he recounted this portion of his chronicle, The Shadow raised his hand, snapped his fingers, and produced the very effect that I have described.
He informed me that it was an astonishing trick, known as “The Devil’s Whisper,” produced by the instantaneous action of two chemical compounds — one on the thumb; the other on the finger. The Shadow stated that he had improved the experiment, so that he was able to produce a most startling effect.
I have access to the chemical formula that will cause this amazing result; but I have refrained from publishing it because of its danger.
An inexperienced person runs great chance of serious injury when attempting this experiment. - Maxwell Grant.)
The crimson mask served as a partial protection against the blinding flare. The Red Envoy caught himself, as he encountered the edge of the desk, and promptly fired two shots at the spot where The Shadow had been.
But the man in black was no longer there. He had started toward the door as his opponent pressed the trigger.
Wheeling, the Red Envoy discharged two more bullets in the direction of the departing Shadow. But his eyes blinked beneath the red mask and the shots went wild.
The masked man closed the door of the study, and turned the key. Then he chuckled triumphantly. He knew where to find The Shadow, if he wanted him; and the man in black had gone to attempt the rescue of those who were in the submarine chamber.
It would be a futile attempt; yet it gave the Red Envoy the very opportunity he required. He had come to find the plans; they were now within his reach.
He had foiled The Shadow, even though that remarkable man had made a miraculous escape from certain death.