On his desk was a stack of Philadelphia newspapers through which he had already read carefully. Finishing the last one, he gathered up the entire pile and disposed of them in a large wastebasket.
Going to his personal typewriter, the insurance broker copied the memoranda that he had made. Back at his desk, he read the condensed report.
The top of the typewritten page gave such simple facts as the location of Mrs. Johnson’s rooming house, and the Philadelphia morgue — the two places where the murders had transpired. Then followed two disconnected accounts: the first referred to the death of Jarnow; the second to the demise of Griffith.
The first trace of Frank Jarnow was when he called Henry Windsor by long distance from New York. H.W. remembers the call. It reached him at the Civic Club; the operator there corroborates it. H.W. claims to have made an appointment for eight o’clock with F.J., at the latter’s room. F.J. arrived in taxi at eight. Came in on train from New York. Taxi driver substantiates this. Went up to room, expecting H.W., who arrived fifteen minutes later. H.W. had been drinking. Was unsteady. Went in room with F.J. Door was locked. Roomer heard argument between men. Words said by H.W. were “You’ll be sorry for this.” Two shots fired at eight thirty. People broke into room. Time elapsed, nearly five minutes. Captured H.W. with gun. He tried to resist. F.J. lying dead. H.W. accused of murder. Does not remember carrying gun or firing shots. Agrees he must have done it, however. Seems to be in a stupor. Being held by Philadelphia police without bail. His brother, Blair Windsor, Boston stockbroker, is expected to arrive in Philadelphia, coming from Massachusetts. Only information on Frank Jarnow: Philadelphia bank teller. Good reputation. Left a week ago for vacation in Maine. Arrival home unexpected. Only relatives in California.
Detective Harvey Griffith arrived morning after murder of F.J. Went to house where murder had taken place. From there to morgue to view body of F.J. A man claiming to be a reporter entered morgue, and was alone with H.G. downstairs. So-called reporter left. H.G. did not come up. Half hour later, Mike Burke, in charge at morgue, went down and found the body of H.G. Had been stabbed to death. Murder is attributed to Philadelphia crooks. H.G. was to testify on important case. Apparently good opportunity to get rid of him. Had many enemies. Notebook and other articles taken from H.G., including envelope containing items in pocket of Jarnow. This was given to H.G. by Detective Harrison, man on Jarnow case. Harrison had list of articles. None important, except eighty dollars cash. Conclusion: No possible connection between two murders. All newspapers agree on this. Murder of Griffith has put Jarnow murder in background.
The insurance broker folded the typewritten sheet, and placed it in an envelope. He pressed a buzzer. The stenographer entered.
“Take this to the Jonas office,” directed Fellows, giving her the envelope.
He watched her through the door of his inner office as she picked up her purse and went through the outer door. Then, alone, his mind indulged in speculation.
He went back over the recent episodes of his life, and he wondered what the future would hold for him.
For Claude Fellows was the confidential agent of a strange, mysterious individual known as The Shadow — a man whose name struck terror into the hearts of those who dwelt in the underworld.