The word “one” disappeared from the frame. In its place came the word “proceed,” which formed letter by letter.
“One of my agents,” said Paget, slowly, “is in danger. He has been of assistance in our work. It was through him that the enterprise began. Some one is seeking to trace his movements.”
Paget paused. The word “proceed” remained in the frame.
“My agent’s name” — Paget smiled in the darkness — “is Rodney Paget. He has been staying at Wilbur Blake’s home. He reports that some one has been watching him. He believes that this enemy has also entered his apartment. Because he is being watched, he has left Blake’s house.”
The light went out. Now letters formed in the frame, spelling first one word, then another, to form a complete sentence. Paget watched it closely, until it became entirely blank.
“Who — is — watching — him—” were the words.
“A person called The Shadow,” said Paget. “He is a man of mystery. He appears only at night—”
He stopped his sentence as new words began to form in the frame.
“We — know — of — The — Shadow—” was the message of Number One.
“Ah!” Paget spoke almost without thinking. “Do you know his identity?”