“Riga… Fifteen days… Moscow sixteen days… Arrange for that time… No, we must allow that long… You are sure that Holtmann told all he knows?… Good. Hold him until then, unless…”
There was a pause. Evidently Noyes was hearing a lengthy report from the other end of the line.
“All right, Froman” — Noyes was speaking in a doubtful tone — “that is your duty. You have done your part. I shall not interfere. If you think it best…”
Again the lawyer ceased speaking. The clicking of the receiver indicated another statement. Noyes uttered a terse “good-by.” The telephone clicked as the receiver was placed on the hook.
There was action in the hall outside the office. The Shadow was working swiftly and silently. He detached the instrument from the door, and with rapid noiseless stride, swept along the hall toward the outer door.
Only a slight swish of the black cloak disturbed the silence. With grim decision The Shadow was departing.
There was other work for The Shadow tonight. The life of a man hung in the balance, and only The Shadow could save him!
CHAPTER V. DEATH INTERVENES
MARCUS HOLTMANN was resting wearily upon the floor of his subterranean dungeon. He was no longer confined within the restraining folds of the straitjacket, yet his arms were huddled before his body.
The prisoner seemed still to feel the gripping clutch of the torturing device. The paleness of his blistered face, the weariness of his racked body, and the drooping of his head were indications of the ordeal which he had undergone.