It was the laugh of The Shadow!
CHAPTER XVI
SPOTTER SEES THE SHADOW
Scarcely had the sound of The Shadow’s laugh died away before half a dozen of the Federal agents were up the stairs in pursuit. They were fearless men, accustomed to fierce raids. They had been baffled for the moment. Nothing could stop them now. They had no thoughts of danger as they took up their mad pursuit.
Nor did they have an inkling that their quarry was a friend. The Shadow had chosen to play a part, during his present quest — one that would bring Doc Birch’s undoing. He had regained his enshrouding garb in hope of passing from the picture. He had ended all chance for explanations. Departure was his only course.
The government men occupied the second floor with amazing quickness. There were only four rooms there and their flashlights spread to every corner. The closed windows were sufficient proof that their quarry had not escaped.
The men had separated in their search. Two of them entered a room at the back of the house. They were ready with their automatics. A harsh laugh came from the corner by the window. One that was different from The Shadow’s own mirth.
Both men fired at the spot. Their lights were focused upon the place where they believed the man in black was standing. But the deceptive voice of The Shadow had fooled them. They heard the laugh again, coming from the blank wall where their lights gleamed.
Before they had realized the deception of ventriloquism which had been practiced, The Shadow was upon them.
Sweeping from behind the opened door of the room, he seized their necks with iron hands, and drove one against the other.