“You have some knowledge of Lamont Cranston’s family history. I doubt that you could recall the maiden names of both his grandmothers. I know them.
“Stay if you wish. Try to denounce me. But remember that I have established the personality of Lamont Cranston. Assuming that you are Lamont Cranston, I know more about you than you know about yourself!
“So use your own judgment. But I warn you in advance. If you are here when I come tomorrow, there will be but one result.
“You will be arrested as the impersonator of Lamont Cranston. I shall be the injured party. It will mean an inconvenience for me; but it will mean real difficulties for you.”
The millionaire smiled grimly. He was not yet ready to accept the dictates of this bold visitor.
“Before I last went away,” said Cranston, “I wrote a letter to a friend of mine, mentioning some very personal matters. There is one man who will know that I am really Lamont Cranston.”
The false Lamont Cranston reproduced the smile.
“I know the contents of that letter,” he said quietly. “It was mailed to Cleveland. Moreover, there was a reply to the letter. I received the reply. I wrote a second letter, answering some questions that were asked.
“Produce your friend from Cleveland. He will choose the real Lamont Cranston; and I shall be his choice.”
The man in the bed rubbed his forehead in perplexity. Then he looked at his visitor, and laughed. The humor of the situation began to appeal to him.