The leader’s hand reached to the top of the niche. It grasped a lever that extended from the wall. But before the clutching hand could draw the projecting rod, a pistol shot resounded.
One robed figure still stood among the dazed detectives — The Shadow! He, like the members of the Seven, had anticipated the leader’s move. The shot of his automatic was well aimed. His bullet grazed the raised fingers. The leader’s hand fell to his side.
Five desperate men leaped to their leader’s aid. Hands sought the lever that he had lost.
The merciless shots continued from The Shadow’s automatic. Two robed men staggered and fell. But one grasping hand succeeded in its mission. Down came the lever. With its release, a metal curtain fell suddenly from the ceiling. A steel barrier was between the members of the Silent Seven and their enemies.
As the curtain descended, another blinding flash filled the room. The blinking detectives were completely overcome.
In the dim light that remained, The Shadow stooped to the floor. He peeled his robe from his body. Now he was clad in an inconspicuous dark-gray suit, a badge upon his vest. He appeared as one of the plain-clothes men who were with Joe Cardona. Now he was among the detectives, acting with amazing speed.
“Through the door!” he commanded. “This way!”
He forced the men from the room. They were staggering, helpless, not knowing which way to go. They could see nothing but the dazzling glare which still dominated their eyes.
The Shadow was the last to leave. He lifted the bound form of Rodney Paget as if it had been a figure of straw.
THE detectives were groping their way to the elevator. The first group filled the car and descended.