“I suspected you each time I met you,” said The Shadow tersely. “I was suspicious at the Cobalt Club, when you invited me to come to your house — at my own risk.
“When I did call to see you, your suggestion that I leave by your secret exit was just a bit overdone. So I came again, to take advantage of your suggestion.
“Of course, I was prepared. I had learned of Berchik’s death.”
The smile faded from Prince Zuvor’s countenance. The Shadow spoke as though he was about to reveal new discoveries.
“Strange,” whispered The Shadow. “Strange, was it not, that your servant, Fritz Bloch, was never at your house? I suspected why.
“Fritz did not exist. He was a pretense — you — in disguise. Prince Zuvor never stood face to face, with Fritz, until a few nights ago. Then two of us had other personalities.
“I was Prince Zuvor. Ivan Shiskin became Fritz Bloch.”
Bewilderment registered itself on the Russian’s features. Then his expression became one of silent anger.
“That is how Ivan happened to attend the Red meeting,” said The Shadow. “Of course Prokop gave him the bomb. You had arranged the gray card, so that Prokop would not be surprised when Fritz did not appear; but Fritz did appear.
“He used the bomb, too, for which I am very sorry; because he lost his life. The fact that Prokop and all his agents also died does not lessen my grief for Ivan.”