Had the henchman turned to spy the approaching figure, it would have been his last act. But The Shadow was not here to strike. His objective was the hall below the stairs. With infinite caution, he crept slowly downward, and stepped with noiseless tread as he gained the spot he sought.
Gliding into a room past the stairs, The Shadow pursued his stealthy course. Prowling noiselessly and invisibly, he discovered a low door that indicated the cellar stairs. Opening the door, The Shadow descended and reached the stone-floored basement.
Here the single light showed nothing but solid walls at the side, and cement blocks beneath. Softly, The Shadow traversed the room.
His hand moved as the butt of the automatic tapped each wall. The phantom in black paused to listen. He had discovered a hollow spot.
With great care, The Shadow examined the structure of the wall. His keen eyes could discover no secret opening. The black figure stood in solemn thought. Then it seemed moved by sudden inspiration.
With amazing intuition, The Shadow had realized the significance of the hollow wall. It was the vertical space that received the curtainlike door that barred the dungeon below. The Shadow’s eyes were staring toward the floor. He had suspected the presence of a cavity beneath the cellar. His keen gaze would be sure to discover the opening.
The cracks that divided the blocks of concrete came under The Shadow’s inspection. Shrewd eyes saw the slight elevation of one block. The Shadow’s gaze swept the room; then turned upward. Above him hung the single light. It was located just away from the edge of the bulging block.
With a soft laugh, The Shadow extended one hand upward and grasped the wire above the lamp socket.
He drew the wire downward. It yielded for the distance of about one foot. The block in the center of the floor began to rise.
The Shadow released the wire. The elevator kept ascending until its base reached the level of the cellar floor.