“Perhaps he does,” said the old man harshly. “If so — let him be wise. He is not infallible.
“He was in disguise, when he met Spotter. He is perfect at the art of disguise. But Spotter saw through it — and The Shadow doesn’t know it!
“He fooled me once, The Shadow did. Impersonated Pedro, my Mexican helper, and actually deceived me. Later, he escaped an excellent trap that I planned for him. On this occasion, he is ours.
“Spotter knows The Shadow’s ability. He has suggested a plan that Bronson can carry through. The Shadow can perform wonders; but not miracles. He will need a miracle to save him this time.”
“I’ve seen him,” admitted Birdie Crull. “Came out of the dark. Plopped me in the middle of the street and—”
Isaac Coffran interrupted with a wave of his hand.
“He wins when he catches men unaware,” said the old man. “This time he will lose. He doesn’t know where you are, Crull. He doesn’t know where I am. He is not an agent of the police.”
“What is he then?”
“A mystery. A man who loves crime, but who thwarts it in preference to furthering it. I imagine that he has great wealth. He was a spy during the War, I understand.”
“Does he play a lone game?”