ROAD OF CRIME.............................................................................................................................................1

Maxwell Grant.........................................................................................................................................1

CHAPTER I. A GENTLEMAN OF CRIME..........................................................................................1

CHAPTER II. THE BIG SHOT ...............................................................................................................5

CHAPTER III. THE SHADOW'S PART ................................................................................................9

CHAPTER IV. THE SHADOW VISIBLE...........................................................................................13

CHAPTER V. THE WARNING...........................................................................................................18

CHAPTER VI. THE BIG SHOT SPEAKS...........................................................................................22

CHAPTER VII. CHANCE INTERVENES ...........................................................................................25

CHAPTER VIII. MOBSMEN CHOOSE..............................................................................................29

CHAPTER IX. A MAN FROM THE PAST .........................................................................................34

CHAPTER X. THE SAMARITAN .......................................................................................................38

CHAPTER XI. THE SHADOW SUSPECTS.......................................................................................44

CHAPTER XII. DELKIN CONFIDES.................................................................................................48

CHAPTER XIII. THE ROBBERY ........................................................................................................52

CHAPTER XIV. BIRDS OF A FEATHER..........................................................................................56

CHAPTER XV. A FAMILY REUNION..............................................................................................60

CHAPTER XVI. GRAHAM STATES FACTS....................................................................................62

CHAPTER XVII. MISGAINED MILLIONS.......................................................................................67

CHAPTER XVIII. THE PAST RISES..................................................................................................71

CHAPTER XIX. THE DEMAND .........................................................................................................73

CHAPTER XX. THE ANSWER ...........................................................................................................78

CHAPTER XXI. THE PLOT BREAKS ................................................................................................81

CHAPTER XXII. THE SHADOW'S DEED .........................................................................................84

CHAPTER XXIII. A NEW ALLY ........................................................................................................86

CHAPTER XXIV. GUNS SPEAK ........................................................................................................89

CHAPTER XXV. THE STRAIGHT ROAD .........................................................................................92

Graham Wellerton stopped as he heard the newsboy's cry. He proffered a few pennies and received the final

edition of a New York evening newspaper. He glanced at the headlines as he walked along in the bright

illumination of Fortysecond Street, then thrust the sheet under his arm as he entered a subway kiosk.

While he waited on the platform for an uptown local, Graham Wellerton again surveyed the headlines. His

After a few short minutes of swift perusal, the man quickly learned that no new clews had been gained by the

Subway riders were reading their newspapers with avid interest when Graham Wellerton boarded his local

and took a seat in a corner. His own newspaper tucked under his arm, Graham surveyed the composite crowd

in the car and wondered what their varied reactions might be concerning the chief news of the day.

For New York sensation seekers had been treated to a contrast. The columns in the evening journals were, in

Two hordes of bank bandits had struck at noon, in different parts of Manhattan. Those who had invaded the

Parkerside Trust Company had been routed in a spontaneous fray which had left half a dozen mobsters dead

and wounded. But those who had entered the Terminal National Bank had gained swift success. With the aid

of tear gas, they had eliminated tellers and bank patrons. The robbers had escaped unscathed with thousands

STUDYING his fellow passengers, Graham Wellerton placed them in two definite classes. One group, he

felt, consisted of those who gloried in the victory over crime who gained high satisfaction in the outcome of

The others, Graham decided, were those who held a secret envy for robbers who had looted the Terminal

Idly, Graham played a game of human analysis. He noted the people who were reading about the thwarted

robbery. Most of them possessed an air of stability. Those who were eagerly perusing the accounts of the

successful raid, however, were curious, bitterfaced individuals who seemed to gloat in the knowledge that

In considering those whom he thus classified, Graham Wellerton adopted an odd neutrality so far as he

himself was concerned. Had he included himself, he would undoubtedly have placed himself in the select

category. In dress, appearance and manner, Graham was the most distinctive occupant of the subway car.

Tall, handsome and dressed in perfectly tailored clothes, Graham had the appearance of a polished

manabouttown as he sauntered from the car when the train stopped at an uptown station.

But the smile upon his face was reminiscent. Not so many hours before, Graham Wellerton, in another

subway car, had represented an opposite class of society. Then he had been wearing baggy trousers, heavy

Graham was still smiling as he tossed his newspaper into a trash receptacle. The accounts of the bank holdups

had included descriptions of just such individuals as he had been at noon this very day. Evening had brought

So far as the bank holdups were concerned, Graham's neutrality was one of balance. He was pleased that the

attempt upon the Parkerside Trust had failed; he was glad that the Terminal National robbery had been

successful. For Graham knew something that the police did not suspect: namely, that both raids had been

Two lieutenants had been employed, each the leader of a band of marauders. One "Wolf" Daggert had

failed at the Parkerside Trust. His minions had been overpowered, his own escape had been a matter of luck.

The other Graham Wellerton had succeeded at the Terminal National. By cool strategy and swift action,

No longer the rowdy that he had appeared to be by day, Graham Wellerton, in his gentlemanly guise, hailed a

Lounging in the back seat, he lighted a cigarette and, amid the puffs of smoke, emitted soft chuckles. From a

position as a lesser gangster, he had risen to a lieutenancy which equaled that of Wolf Daggert. Today, he had

Graham Wellerton was anxious to hear what the big shot would have to say. That was his mission tonight a

visit to the big shot. From now on, Graham would rate above Wolf Daggert. The big shot liked smooth

Yet the smile of triumph upon Graham's face was sour at the corners. Despite the proficiency which he had

THE cab pulled up at a huge apartment house. Graham Wellerton, his face no longer showing traces of

Wellerton strolled into the lobby, approached the doorman and inquired if Mr. Furzman were at home. The

doorman asked the visitor's name, made a short call over the apartment telephone and ushered Graham to the

The car stopped at the fourteenth floor. Graham stepped out and approached a doorway at the end of a short

The door was ajar. A stocky, ironjawed individual opened it without a single word. Graham Wellerton

"Hello, Gouger," he said to the stockyfaced man. "Is King Furzman ready to see me now?"

Gouger nodded. He opened a door at the right of the little anteroom in which they were standing, and

motioned the visitor to enter. Graham walked through the doorway; Gouger followed and closed the door

The anteroom remained silent. A small, gloomy chamber with three doors, it served only as an entry. It was

the appointed spot where Gouger, bodyguard to "King" Furzman, awaited visitors who were announced.

Now that one visitor had entered, there was no occasion for Gouger to remain until another call came from

the downstairs lobby. But during that interim, an unexpected visitor was due to make his appearance.

Scarcely had the door at the anteroom closed behind Gouger and Graham Wellerton before the knob of the

door from the corridor began to make a slow turn. Something clicked softly in the lock. The door moved

A figure entered the anteroom. The door closed behind the silent visitor. Within the range of light stood the

tall form of a spectral visitant who had entered here despite the fact that the door was securely locked.

This being was completely clad in black. His principal garb was a long, flowing cloak, that gave his form a

grotesque shape. The upturned collar of the cloak obscured the stranger's features.

Above the cloak, the silent visitor was wearing a broadbrimmed slouch hat which completely hid his

forehead. The dull light of the anteroom showed only the eyes of the mysterious arrival. From beneath the hat

brim, a pair of blazing orbs shone with sinister gleam as they peered toward the two doors that led into the

Like an apparition, this weird stranger had followed Graham Wellerton into King Furzman's abode. Merged

with the darkness at the far end of the corridor, the blackcloaked phantom had been waiting for someone to

Neither Graham Wellerton nor Gouger had detected his uncanny presence; neither was aware that The

Spectral figure of darkness, he was one who sought the spots where crime was fostered. A master of mystery,

his very name was terror to the underworld! A lone wolf who battled the hordes of crookdom, a supersleuth

whose prowess of investigation knew no equal, The Shadow had entered here to learn facts concerning bold

The gleaming eyes spied the door upon the right. A soft, whispered laugh came eerily from unseen lips. The

tall form glided across the carpeted floor and reached the closed door. A blackgloved hand slowly turned the

Peering through a narrow crevice, The Shadow spied an empty room, which was almost totally dark. The one

source of illumination came from a narrow archway which was hung with heavy curtains. Beyond that was a

room lighted by floor lamps a condition which signified that someone was present there.

The Shadow entered the gloomy room and silently closed the door behind him. His tall form was totally

obscured as it clung to darkness in its path toward the heavy curtains. Only the slight swish of the black cloak

The Shadow halted when he reached the curtains. His weird shape merged with a hanging drapery.

The eyes of The Shadow peered into the room beyond. They spied one man Graham Wellerton. The visitor,

his coat, hat, and cane laid aside, was seated in an easy chair, smoking a cigarette.

A handsome face, above the peaked points of a Tuxedo collar that was the visage which The Shadow saw.

Graham Wellerton, tonight, was a gentleman of crime. As such, he was awaiting the arrival of the big shot

Graham Wellerton's eyes, steady despite their idle appearance, were fixed upon a door at the opposite side of

this reception room the spot from which the young man knew King Furzman would enter.

Intent in thought, Graham Wellerton gave no attention to the draperies at the archway. He did not see the

blotting patch of darkness that crept slowly inward from the other room and became an unmoving blotch

That single sign of The Shadow's presence was motionless as The Shadow waited. An interview was in the

making an important conference between Graham Wellerton and his superior, King Furzman.

The ears of The Shadow would listen, unsuspected, to whatever might be said; and in the meantime, the eyes

of The Shadow were gazing sternly upon Graham Wellerton, the gentleman of crime!

THE door at the opposite side of the room opened. A stout, darkhaired man stepped into view. Graham

Wellerton arose from his chair and smiled in greeting. The other man grinned broadly and gave

acknowledgment with a slight wave of his hand. Graham sat down and the stout man took a chair opposite

Graham Wellerton, gentleman of crime, was face to face with King Furzman, racketeer and big shot, whose

King Furzman, like his visitor, was attired in Tuxedo. But where Graham's clothes were smoothly fitting,

Furzman's, despite the efforts of the big shot's tailors, were rumpled and misshapen. Furzman's stiff shirt was

The difference in the faces of the two men was apparent. Graham Wellerton did not have the expression of a

crook. King Furzman, though he sought to maintain a frank and friendly expression, could not hide the brutal,

This meeting was one, however, that could have but a single outcome an expression of approval on the part

of King Furzman. Confident in that knowledge, Graham Wellerton adopted an attitude of easy indifference

"Good work, Wellerton," began Furzman. "You pulled a clean job today. The best part of it was the way you

slipped the swag to Gouger, where he was waiting for you. He could have walked here with it."

"Certainly," agreed Graham. "We made a perfect getaway. I could have come here with the dough myself

"Well, it's tucked away here," returned Furzman, "and you'll get your cut of the dough any time you're ready

"Better hold it for me," said Graham nonchalantly. "I'm not broke and I can collect later on."

"You've got me beat, Wellerton," admitted the big shot. "Wolf Daggert always hollered for his split right after

"The cash that's coming in the next job," replied Graham suavely. "It will be bigger than this one."

"Say" Furzman's growl voiced his approval "that's the way to talk. I like to hear it because I know you

KING FURZMAN scowled as he heard the words. His face showed disapproval of Graham Wellerton's

"What's the idea of that crack, Wellerton?" he questioned. "The way you spoke, it sounded as though you're

"You have," retorted Graham, in a direct tone. "The sooner you find out that Wolf Daggert is a hasbeen, the

better it will be for you and therefore for me. Figure it out for yourself, King. I pulled a sweet job today

"Wolf has his gang. I have mine. Both outfits are yours. Therefore, there is a connection. Some of my crowd

may know the fellows who were killed down at the Parkerside Trust. Is that going to improve my chances of

"You're right it's not!" declared Graham. "What's more, it's put a crimp in the whole works. Bank tellers

watchmen cops they'll all be chesty now. They'll talk about the way the mob was stopped at the

King Furzman began to nod. Graham Wellerton had gained his point. Yet the big shot was not entirely

"Wolf Daggert is an old hand," he remarked. "He pulled some good jobs on his own and he started out well

when he began to work for me. I don't like to give him the gate, just because of this flop."

"Wolf is inefficient," asserted Graham, rising to his feet. "I knew it when I worked with him. He was lucky to

get by as long as he did. He counted on me to help him, but never gave me the credit that was coming to me.

"Listen, King. When a crowd goes in to stick up a bank, everything depends on teamwork. It's a matter of

"The Parkerside Trust should have been a setup today. The tough job was the Terminal National I that's

why Wolf let me take it. The odds were with him the odds were against me. I came through and Wolf

"Certainly. Wolf could have used it on his job, but he didn't show any brain work."

"I'm not asking you to. But I'm telling you this, King: while Wolf is working in New York, I'm not!"

The big shot surveyed his lieutenant narrowly. His fat lips took on an ugly leer.

"You're thinking of quitting, eh?" questioned Furzman. "Figuring maybe you'd better take it soft "

"Forget that stuff," interposed Graham. "I'm not through. I'm going somewhere else that's all. Some place

where the pickings will be as soft as in New York some place where Wolf Daggert can't crimp my game."

King Furzman drew a fat cigar from his pocket and bit off the end of the perfecto while he continued to stare

"I'll tell you tomorrow night," said Graham. "I've got a couple of cities in mind and I'll decide after I've

"And you've tucked away your security. You owe me a split, don't you? All right; I won't ask for it until I

King Furzman began to nod again. Graham Wellerton's arguments had been effective. The young man

watched the big shot and waited for the psychological moment to speak further. The time came.

"King," said Wellerton quietly, "you're cagy. You've got to be, in your game. You deal with an ordinary lot of

crooks, like Wolf Daggert. But I'm different. I didn't choose crime as a profession. It was thrust on me.

"I like to talk man to man. I know how you're situated, even though you've never told me. You prefer rackets

to crime but the rackets were getting you in trouble. Not with the police, but with other racketeers. So you

"You're backing a bunch of bank robbers. You took on Wolf Daggert. I came with him. You figured I could

"You're covering up very neatly. You don't want to quit. I don't blame you. You've treated me square enough

because it's profitable. I'm sticking because I'm in the game of crime. I'm working for you therefore I'm

"I want a free hand outside of New York. It will be better for you because I'm at a distance. It will be better

HAD an ordinary henchman talked in this manner, King Furzman would have boiled over in rage. But he

sensed from Graham Wellerton's tone that the lieutenant was working for a sensible understanding.

The big shot's scowl slowly disappeared; nevertheless, he made no statement of approval. Instead, he tried

"You say you didn't choose crime?" he asked. "How did you come to get into it, then?"

"I could make a long story out of that," responded Graham, with a sour smile, "but I can give it to you briefly,

just as well. My father had a lot of money. I landed in a jam. I had to raise dough to hush things up. I ran into

"I'll tell you why. He was too yellow to take on the jobs he gave me. He collected a percentage on my work.

"For a while yes. Then I landed back in New York and needed more money. I heard what Wolf was doing

and I worked for him again. I intended to blow later on; then you picked me to head my own mob. Here I

King Furzman pondered. He could see that Graham Wellerton was one criminal in a thousand. He knew that

his lieutenant had spoken frankly. This was the first outspoken conference that Furzman had ever held with

The big shot saw that Graham had been working for a break for the time when success would enable him to

give his straight opinion regarding Wolf Daggert. Graham had chosen the right time to assert himself. King

Furzman, although he did not say so, regarded this smoothworking lieutenant as a henchman far superior to

Furthermore, there was merit in Graham's suggestions. The big shot, supposedly a racketeer who was

coasting along on past profits, was anxious to avoid anything that would connect him with crime. Rivalry

"All right," said Furzman suddenly. "Take your mob work on your own but let me know where you're

A rap at the door came as an interruption. The big shot emitted a growl. The door opened and Gouger poked

Gouger disappeared. He was going to the anteroom by the other route through the apartment. It would only

"We'll start out tomorrow night," said Graham quickly. "I'll have the crew ready. I'll come here and tell you

my plans. They won't know where I'm taking them until we're on our way maybe not until we get there."

"Good stuff," nodded the big shot. "You're all right, Wellerton. I've got your idea now. You know how to

The conversation ended. Graham Wellerton resumed his chair and lighted a cigarette. King Furzman applied

a match to the cigar which he had been chewing. While neither man was observant, the long black patch upon

the floor drew slowly toward the curtain at the archway. The Shadow, hidden listener to all that had been

said, was retiring into a darkened corner of the next room to await the passage of another visitor Wolf

Whatever might be said after the third man had arrived, The Shadow would also hear. The foe of crime, this

His presence here a mystery, his knowledge veiled from those who plotted crime, The Shadow had heard the

plans of Graham Wellerton. Now he would listen to the pleas of an unsuccessful crook, when Wolf Daggert

The Shadow's presence was a proof that he had had a hand in thwarting crime. That presence also signified

GRAHAM WELLERTON and King Furzman looked up as two men entered the room from the archway. The

first arrival was Gouger. The bodyguard kept on and passed through the door at the other side of the room.

The second man stopped just within the curtains. He looked from King Furzman to Graham Wellerton; then

back from lieutenant to big shot. Without a word, he tossed his hat and coat upon a table and took a chair.

Wolf Daggert was a crook whose nickname was well chosen. His face was peaked and cunning. His teeth,

which showed between sordid, roughened lips, had a fanglike appearance that was bestial. The man's manner

With halfclenched fists and ugly, sneering grin, Wolf Daggert turned his pale face toward the other men as

though he expected challenging words. His gray eyes moved restlessly and his whole manner indicated tense

King Furzman eyed Wolf Daggert coldly. Graham Wellerton gazed at the newcomer with an air of

In this strained atmosphere, not one of the three men happened to look toward the floor. Hence the trio failed

to see the streak of blackness which was again moving steadily inward from the curtains.

The dark splotch became motionless. Cold, steely eyes were peering from the curtain. The archenemy of

crime was on the watch. The eyes of The Shadow were viewing the scene within King Furzman's reception

His remark was impersonal. Either Furzman or Graham could have answered him. The big shot was the one

"There's nothing much to say, Wolf," declared Furzman. "Things seem to have gone sour that's all. Maybe

"You been talkin', eh?" Wolf glowered at Graham. "Think because your job went through you've got the edge

"Lay off that, Wolf!" growled Furzman. "You're talking to me, see? You said you were coming up here to tip

"Sure, I told you that," agreed Wolf. "Over the phone after the job was queered and my mob took the bump.

I got plenty to tell you, too and if this chesty guy had hit what I hit, he'd be cryin' plenty."

"That's your way of looking at it, eh?" quizzed Furzman. "Well, Wolf, you've got to show me. The Parkerside

"Maybe not," admitted Wolf, "but I got doublecrossed. That makes it different, don't it?"

"I don't know. All I can tell you is that some guy got wise and the job was stacked against me."

"No!" Wolf snarled as he leaned forward in his chair. "The cops bah if they'd been wise, we'd have

WOLF'S thrust struck home. Graham Wellerton, staring straight at King Furzman, saw the big shot's lips

twitch. The mere mention of The Shadow's name was enough to cause any big criminal worriment.

"I'm tellin' you straight," insisted Wolf. "If the bank was wise if the cops was wise there'd have been

"Right inside the bank is an old stairway that goes down to the safe deposits. They blocked it off, see, when

"The mob goes in. They start to cover the tellers. Then right out from the rail around that old stairway comes

"What happens? The customers duck for cover, the tellers an' the watchman yanks out their guns. Half the

mob was crippled the rest started to scram. The bank boys had the edge. They clipped the outfit."

"The newspapers said nothing about it," interposed Furzman, as Wolf paused. "According to the accounts, the

"Sure," snorted Wolf. "That's what they did after The Shadow started it. None of them bank guys knew who

"How do I know?" retorted Wolf. "He didn't show himself. He must have walked out with some of the

"Someone may have caused the trouble," interrupted Graham calmly, "but it couldn't have been The

"Because," Graham responded, looking squarely toward his questioner, "if it had been The Shadow, you

wouldn't have made a getaway without a couple of bullets somewhere in your body."

"Yeah?" Wolf was again indignant. "Well, it was The Shadow right enough you can ask Pinkey Doremas if

"Down in Red Mike's place. He got plugged twice I had to shove him in the car. I've got a sawbones down

there to look after him you know, the old doc who's in wrong an' who comes around whenever we need

Graham Wellerton was leaning back in his chair, chuckling merrily. Wolf Daggert stopped short to stare at

"Do you want to know why I'm laughing?" questioned Graham. "I'll tell you why, King. Wolf is yellow up

to his old tricks. He never went into that bank with the mob. He was laying outside and he helped the only

man who managed to get away Pinkey Doremas the one nearest the door when the firing started!"

WOLF'S lips were fidgeting. The peaked face gang leader stared angrily at Graham, then glanced nervously

"I ain't yellow," he pleaded. "I wasn't in the bank but it wasn't because I'm yellow. You know the getaway

"Wait a minute!" Furzman's exclamation was delivered in a serious tone. "We're getting at something now.

"About a hundred feet," said Wolf reluctantly. "Yeah just about a hundred feet "

"What if I was around the corner?" blurted Wolf. "It don't matter where I was, does it? I know how to manage

Graham was enjoying another chuckle at Wolf's expense. The yellow gang leader had admitted his

cowardice. King Furzman, however, saw a more important angle to the situation. It was the big shot who

ended the controversy between the lieutenants by injecting a growled interruption.

"The Shadow was in it, all right," decided Furzman. "You can't blame Wolf, Wellerton. The Shadow can

"The Shadow must have picked up the trail of Wolf's mob," declared the big shot seriously. "They say he's

always snooping around to see what the gangs are doing. He cleaned up the mob today; his next step will be

"Let Wolf lay low," declared Graham. "Have him keep away from here take his time about getting another

mob. Then" Graham followed the plan that he had suggested prior to Wolf's arrival "I can slide out of

The big shot nodded solemnly. Wolf Daggert, thankful that criticism had ceased, said nothing. The

arrangements which Graham Wellerton proposed, came as a logical solution to the allimportant problem.

"That's the way we'll work it," decided King Furzman. "There's no use taking chances if The Shadow is in

this game. He's dangerous and since he had crimped you, Wolf, there's a big chance that he'll be after

"You're laying low from now on get that, Wolf? As for you, Wellerton, you can make your own plans. Stop

The gentleman of crime arose, picked up his hat and coat and reached for his cane. Wolf Daggert eyed him

"The less you're around here, the better," returned the big shot. "You move along and stay away until I call

Gloomily, Wolf picked up his hat and coat. He prepared to follow Graham Wellerton. King Furzman arose

and went to the door to summon Gouger. Graham and Wolf watched him. The long black streak began to

fade away from the floor; slowly, steadily, a large silhouette dwindled into nothingness.

GOUGER appeared and led the two men to the anteroom. He ushered them out into the corridor; then

returned. Gouger did not see the weird figure that moved stealthily after he had passed. He did not suspect the

On the sidewalk in front of the apartment building, Graham Wellerton and Wolf Daggert parted. No words of

Graham surveyed Wolf with a parting smile; Wolf, in turn, glowered at the man who had been successful

Neither noted the tall, vague form that stood within the darkness of the entry to the lobby. Neither knew that

The Shadow had followed them here; that the master of darkness was watching their departure.

King Furzman had spoken facts, not mere possibilities, when he had suggested that The Shadow, after

breaking up Wolf Daggert's game, might trail Wolf to learn who was the man behind the attempted bank

The Shadow had heard Wolf's telephone call to King. He had come to observe lieutenant and big shot when

In so doing, The Shadow had gained another point. He had learned that the successful pillaging of the

Terminal National had also been ordered by King Furzman; he had learned the identity of the big shot's other

To The Shadow, a skulking rat like Wolf Daggert was one who could be watched by agents, one who could

be trapped the next time he attempted crime in Manhattan. King Furzman, pretended racketeer who dealt in

But in Graham Wellerton, The Shadow had discovered a crime maker of another caliber. Here was one who

dealt in strategy; a man who contemplated an expedition to another city; a crook who was wise enough to

From his hidden observation post, The Shadow had studied this young chap who had the cleancut

appearance of a gentleman, but who dealt in crime as a profession. Graham Wellerton, with a trusted mob at

As Graham Wellerton and Wolf Daggert walked in opposite directions, The Shadow emerged from the entry.

His tall form became a vague outline that moved swiftly and invisibly along the street, following the path that

The Shadow was on the trail of the gentleman who dealt in crime. Before this night was ended, the master of

detection would learn more perhaps all concerning the affairs of Graham Wellerton, bank robber deluxe.

GRAHAM WELLERTON gave no thought to possible followers as he strolled along the street to a subway

When he emerged from the subway, he walked to the pretentious apartment building where he lived, and rode

upstairs in an elevator. He entered his fourthfloor apartment, raised a livingroom window to gain some

Idly speculative, the gentlemanly crook gave no thought to events outside that window. The opening was on a

courtyard, not far from a fire tower. While Graham sat smoking a cigarette, a silent action took place upon

Hazy in the illumination from the tower, a tall black form of human proportions stretched out along the wall.

Clinging to the bricks in batlike fashion, it began a precarious passage toward the open window.

Squidgy sounds, lost in the dull murmur of basement machinery, told of The Shadow's progress. With rubber

suction disks attached to hands and feet, the stealthy intruder was moving steadily along a vertical wall.

The Shadow's form was shrouded in blackness when it arrived at a spot but a few feet distant from the open

window. Keen ears were listening for any sound from within Graham Wellerton's living room.

The Shadow's head moved forward. His keen eyes were about to peer upon the lighted scene, when a rap at

the door of the apartment caused Wellerton to arise quickly from his chair. The Shadow eased back into

Hardly had the gentleman crook headed toward the door before The Shadow was at work. A blackgloved

hand, freed from the rubber cup, extended itself and pushed the window sash several inches upward.

All this was done while Graham was walking across the floor. By the time the young man had reached the

door, The Shadow's eyes were peering through a threeinch space between the window sill and the sash and

When Graham Wellerton opened the door, he stepped back and his face came into the light. The Shadow,

keenly observant, saw a look of mingled anger and dismay upon the young man's face. This was caused by

THE woman possessed a handsome face, yet there was something about her countenance that rendered it

unattractive. Perhaps it was the hardened smile upon her painted lips; possibly it was the challenging glint

Whatever the cause, Graham Wellerton seemed annoyed because the feminine visitor had appeared, and the

"Not so glad to see me, eh?" was her first question. The tones were harsh. "Well, it was time I looked you up.

"That's my business!" the woman snapped. "I've found you before, haven't I? All right I'll find you again!"

"Perhaps," returned the young man, seating himself in a chair by the window. "Nevertheless, there was no

reason for you to come here. I told you that I would see you tomorrow to give you the money that you

"No?" Carma's tone was scoffing. "Say you must work cheap, big boy. After that Terminal National

"What makes you say that?" quizzed Graham angrily. "Where do you get the idea that I was in on the

"I read the newspapers," laughed Carma. "I know the kind of work you do. Come on five grand!"

Irritably, Graham drew a roll of bank notes from his pocket and peeled off fifty bills of hundreddollar

denomination. His bundle of cash was still a stout one when he replaced it in his pocket.

"This will do for a while," volunteered Carma. "But when I want more I'll get it. Understand?"

Graham eyed the woman as she took a chair and lighted a cigarette. The young man chewed his lips, then

"Some day, Carma," he remarked, "this is all going to end. Your demands for money are becoming more and

"I've got the goods on you, Graham," retorted Carma harshly. "You'll keep on paying that's all."

"Let's be reasonable," suggested the young man. "It's about time you called quits on the racket. Otherwise "

He paused as he caught the woman's glare. Thoughtfully, Graham assumed a reminiscent tone as he changed

"A FEW years ago," he said, "you and I were married. You know very well that I was shanghaied into

matrimony. I don't even remember the ceremony. You showed me the marriage license that was all."

"Granted," replied Carma. "You made a big mistake when you went into that speakeasy where I found you

goofy from bad booze. If your old man hadn't had a lot of dough, I'd have left you there. But when I found

"And when I woke up," retorted Graham, "I knew the whole affair was a frameup. I told you I was through.

"He had dough," said Carma. "He could have paid. It would have been quits then."

"It would have been best," admitted Graham. "I didn't see it that way at the time. So I went out to raise cash

to keep you quiet. A crook spotted me" Graham was careful not to name Wolf Daggert "and showed me

"A great fellow," declared Carma, "whoever he was. You've been in the money ever since, big boy."

"Crooked money," said Graham bitterly. "Stolen money. Once I started, I had to keep on."

"I figured it as a temporary proposition," declared Graham. "I hoped for a break. I thought it had come when

my uncle swindled my father out of all his money. My father died. You were powerless for I was no longer

"That was when I used my noodle," laughed Carma. "I kept on your trail, didn't I, big boy?"

"Yes," grunted Graham. "You started a new racket. You knew too much about my criminal activities. Every

time I picked up a bundle of cash, you were there to grab your share always the big share."

"Turn on the radio," sneered Carma. "Maybe a little soft music would make you feel better."

"I came back to New York," declared Graham, "and I landed in with some big workers. More money here

until you bobbed up again. You wanted a larger share of the cash. I've had to give it to you."

"Or I'll squeal," laughed Carma. "Between that marriage license and what I know about you, you've got to

"If I happened to be a quitter," returned Graham, "I'd give up the game. I'd take the rap even if it meant

"Not you, big boy," scoffed the woman. "You like your freedom too well. Maybe you'll try to ditch me again

"Maybe," said Graham. "But not while things are going good here in New York. Some day, though, I may

Graham Wellerton leaped to his feet. His eyes were furious. His fists clenched. His words were bitter as he

"Southwark!" he snarled. "Never mention the name of that place! I hate everyone who lives there, now that

my father is dead. My uncle my mother's brother old Ezra Talboy the meanest skinflint in the world!

"I wish some calamity would hit that town! Kill everybody in it! I wouldn't trust myself in Southwark. The

"You're not a killer," said Carma, with a deprecating laugh. "You never will be. Even if you were in

Southwark, you wouldn't commit murder. Ditch me again, big boy, and I'll find you. But I'll give you a tip

"I'm not a killer," admitted Graham. "That's the only reason my uncle goes on living. He pilfered my father's

money; I'll never get a cent of it. Yet Ezra Talboy still lives. No I draw the line at murder and that's the

"But you never will," said the woman calmly, rising as she tucked the five thousand dollars in her hand bag.

"Well, so long, big boy. Look me up after the next big job. If you don't, I'll find you, wherever you are."

"I don't doubt it," retorted Graham. "You're a jinx right enough. I'll probably move to another apartment now

"Suit yourself," laughed Carma, as she walked to the door and sarcastically blew a kiss in Graham's direction.

AFTER the woman had gone, Graham Wellerton paced up and down the room. He hated Carma and he had

reason. He remembered when first he had met her Carma Urstead a typical gangster's moll.

Graham had seen the woman only once or twice prior to the event in the speakeasy. He could remember now

how he had awakened from a drunken stupor to learn that he had married Carma Urstead. He recalled how he

Carma had trailed him everywhere. In desperation, Graham had sought Wolf Daggert, the gangster whom he

had met frequently at night clubs in Manhattan. Wolf had shown him the way to crime; Carma had

A smile of grim, determination appeared upon Graham Wellerton's firm face. The young man strode to a

corner of the living room, picked up a telephone, dialed a number and began to speak in a low, cautious tone.

His words were not audible at the window. The Shadow, listening, softly raised the sash and shade. His tall

form stepped into the living room. Graham, seated at a telephone table, heard nothing but the talk of the man

Sash and shade were lowered. Like a phantom, The Shadow glided to the doorway of another room. There,

his form obscured, The Shadow stood close enough to overhear what Graham Wellerton was saying. The

Across the floor stretched a streak of blackness, a shade that ended in a weirdly shaped profile. The

silhouette, the visible token of The Shadow, appeared upon the carpet by the table where Graham Wellerton

"All right, Frank," Graham was saying. "Put Pete on the wire... That you, Pete?... We're moving out of town

tomorrow night... Have everything set... Now listen I'll tell you where to meet me."

Graham Wellerton's eyes froze. Staring over the mouthpiece of the telephone, they spied the silhouette upon

the floor. Instinctively, the young man knew that the blackened profile signified the presence of a human

being. Another thought flashed through his mind the identity of the personage who had somehow entered

Despite a chilling tenseness, Graham retained his composure. Pete's voice was coming over the wire,

inquiring where the meeting was to take place. Graham realized that if his conjecture was correct that if

The Shadow were watching here, any statement of a meeting point would be suicidal.

"Wait a minute, Pete." Graham's voice came steadily. "I'd better wait until I've seen the big shot. I'm dropping

in on him around nine o'clock. I'll call you from there... That's right... Wait around until you hear from me."

Graham Wellerton hung up the receiver. Without moving from his chair, he drew forth a cigarette and lighted

it. Staring over the flicker of the match, he watched the spot upon the floor. Slowly, with progressive glide,

THE SHADOW was here. Doubtless he had slipped into the obscurity of the adjoining room. Graham smiled.

He arose from his chair, sauntered to the window, raised shade and sash and stood staring into the darkness of

the courtyard, whistling softly as he flicked cigarette ashes down into the space below him.

The gentleman of crime could hear no sound, yet he seemed to sense that eyes were watching him, that a

living presence was gliding through the room. He knew that he was at the mercy of The Shadow, yet he held

For the crux of crime would come tomorrow. Graham had heard of The Shadow's ways; how the weird

specter of the night toyed with the plans of evil schemers and bided his time until their contemplated crimes

Two minutes passed. Graham puffed his cigarette furiously, then tossed the butt from the window. He turned

back into the living room. The atmosphere seemed relieved. He was sure that The Shadow had gone.

He knew now that The Shadow must have learned Wolf Daggert's ways; that the phantom warrior had been at

King Furzman's this evening. From that point, The Shadow had taken up Graham's own trail.

Tomorrow night, The Shadow would again be at King Furzman's, there to learn what Graham Wellerton

intended. Graham's smile increased. He thought of the two visitors who had been in this room tonight.

Graham had tricked her. She fully expected him to remain in New York. Once he had started for a distant city

with his mob, Graham felt sure that he could successfully lose the woman who had been his Nemesis. She

There was a more potent enemy. Yet Graham Wellerton felt sure that he had tricked The Shadow also.

Tomorrow night, Graham would not visit King Furzman. A telephone call to the big shot would serve instead

With King Furzman warned, with Wolf Daggert lying low, with Graham Wellerton out of New York, The

Shadow would be frustrated in any effort to break this ring of crime. Graham, now, would be the only active

worker; by the time he could be traced, he would be bound to another destination.

Still smiling, the gentleman of crime stared at the spot of carpeting which now was clear of the blackened

silhouette. Graham Wellerton had seen the visible sign of The Shadow. Forewarned, he was prepared to

ANOTHER evening had come to Manhattan. King Furzman was seated in the room where he received his

visitors. The big shot was anticipating the arrival of Graham Wellerton. Tonight, Furzman was to hear his

The big shot drew a heavy gold watch from his pocket and noted the time as half past eight. Wellerton was

due to arrive at any minute. Furzman, as he chewed the end of a fat cigar, wondered just what locality the

Not once did Furzman glance toward the heavy curtains that hung between this room and the next. The big

shot did not notice the strange, sinister blot that projected from those draperies. Less sensitive than Graham

Wellerton, King Furzman failed to gain an inkling that the hidden eyes of The Shadow were upon him.

Minutes drifted by; then came a knock from the door at the other side of the room. Gouger entered in

response to Furzman's growl. The bodyguard announced that Graham Wellerton was calling on the telephone.

Gouger went back into the far room, then returned with the telephone, dragging a long extension wire after

him. He handed the instrument to the big shot, who took it without even moving from his chair.

"I'll tell you in a minute," came the reply. "Are you alone, there in the apartment?"

"Send him away" Graham's voice came in a guarded tone "and listen carefully to what I have to say.

The big shot made a motion with the telephone, indicating that Gouger should leave. The bodyguard went

"Just a minute." Graham's voice carried a warning note as it came across the wire. "Hold the phone away

STILL puzzled, but convinced by Graham's impressive tone that the matter was important, Furzman obeyed

the injunction. He noted that Graham's next words were hopelessly indistinct when heard without receiver to

"Can't make outa thing," said Furzman, again speaking into the mouthpiece. "Your voice doesn't carry at all,

"Easy, King!" Graham's voice was low but distinct. "I'm putting you wise to something important. Don't say a

King Furzman sat in momentary bewilderment. As he waited, unable to speak because of his surprise, he

"I'm over in Jersey, King," declared Graham. "I'm here with the mob. We're starting out tonight for Grand

"Shh!" Graham's voice hissed across the wire. "I'm not taking any chances, King. The Shadow was covering

me last night. He may be laying up at your place right now waiting for me to show up. That's why I don't

"Our first job" Graham's voice was still cautious "will be the Riverview Trust in Grand Rapids. Listen,

King Wolf Daggert pulled a big mistake by coming up to see you last night. The Shadow was on his trail

"Keep Wolf away. Tell him you don't want to see him. Count on me for a while. I'll get the gravy you want.

"We're heading West in cars and we'll be two nights on the road. We're going to hold up the Riverview

the night after we get to Grand Rapids. I know all about the bank it does a big night business, It's a setup

"It is on the level," came back Graham's quick response. "It's a tough situation, King. Don't take any chances.

I've given you the lay; you know what I'm going to do. You can't be too careful."

All of King Furzman's doubts were dispelled. The big shot found himself becoming nervous. Wolf's theory

that The Shadow had broken up the robbery yesterday noon; Graham's convincing statements that The

"I've got you, Wellerton," he declared, in a decisive tone. "Go ahead with the lay the way you've planned it.

"I'll get word to you," returned Graham. "But I want you to be sure that The Shadow's not on deck before I

A click came over the wire. The big shot hung up. He mopped his forehead thoughtfully; then began a

Almost before his eyes, the black streak that indicated The Shadow performed a fadeout. The big shot did not

The bodyguard appeared in answer to Furzman's summons. The big shot made a sweeping motion with his

"Not a chance," rejoined Gouger. "Say, King the way I keep that outside door locked "

WONDERING, Gouger walked out between the curtains. He was heading for the anteroom to begin his

"That you, Wolf?" he inquired. "This is King Furzman. Say, Wolf that idea of yours about The Shadow

sounds right. I got a tipoff from Wellerton. He says The Shadow was on his trail, too."

"He says The Shadow is on his trail," repeated King. "That is, The Shadow was on his trail, until he managed

"That's my business," snapped Furzman, remembering Graham's injunction to say nothing regarding his

whereabouts. "The point is that Wellerton figures The Shadow trailed you here last night."

"So that's his game, eh?" Wolf's snarl sounded clearly in the receiver. "Tryin' to blame somethin' on me. Say,

King, don't let that egg stall you. He's got somethin' up his sleeve. He's out to doublecross you, Wellerton

"I know where he's gone," declared the big shot harshly. "I want you to keep away from here. Lay low for a

"Honest, King," came Wolf's plea, "I ain't handin' you no boloney. Let me come up there tonight I can put

you wise to the kind of a bird Wellerton is. He's tryin' to slip somethin' over on you. Say he couldn't duck

"Can the gab, Wolf," ordered Furzman. "You won't get anywhere by knocking Wellerton. You heard what I

Wolf's plea was cut short as Furzman hung up. The big shot set the telephone heavily upon a table and

His mind was at odds. Graham Wellerton's warning had been impressive; Wolf Daggert's doubts, however,

It was conceivable that Graham could have some game of his own; that he had followed Wolf's lead and used

The big shot's face was grim. His eyes were angry. With hands thrust in his Tuxedo pockets, he fumbled with

the revolver that he kept there. At last he brought his hands into view and reached for the telephone again. On

Two lieutenants, at odds with one another. Were both on the square or were both crossing the big shot?

Wolf Daggert had failed. Graham Wellerton had succeeded. Moreover, Graham had deliberately left his share

of the loot in Furzman's possession. That was the deciding point. Graham Wellerton was on the level.

A new thought came to King Furzman. Graham Wellerton was a keen worker. He had suggested that The

Shadow might even now be spying on the big shot. Gouger had started out to search the apartment. How was

Turning, King Furzman looked toward the archway with its hanging draperies. He stopped suddenly. His

eyes became fixed; his body rigid. In one instant he had gained positive proof that Graham Wellerton's

Standing within the range of light was a living apparition of darkness. A tall figure, clad in black, was

blocking King Furzman's path. The folds of a sablehued cloak were motionless. The face of the being who

The only tokens of the hidden face were two gleaming eyes that burned with steady light. Despite the

hypnotic power of those sinister optics, King Furzman could visualize the entire form of the personage before

him. His startled gaze took in the muzzle of an automatic that projected from the folds of the cloak, held

King Furzman made no motion. Like a statue, he stood gazing at the spectral figure which had so silently

materialized itself. There was no mistaking the identity of this weird phantom that had seemingly emerged

King Furzman, erstwhile racketeer who had turned his hand to crime, was face to face with the master mind

who battled men of evil. The gasp that came from the big shot's twisted lips was proof of the recognition that

King Furzman was face to face with The Shadow. Graham Wellerton's warning had failed to save the big

KING FURZMAN, as he faced The Shadow, was a man who betrayed consternation. The big shot was a man

who constantly wore an expression of cold brutality a mask which ever hid the emotions which he felt. The

The big shot was knowing the fear that had gripped other crime wreakers when they had encountered The

Shadow. Furzman's forehead glistened with perspiration; his hands were limp; his body trembled. Through

his mind was passing all that he had heard concerning the vengeance which The Shadow had delivered to

Before the first shock of fear had passed, King Furzman gained new knowledge of The Shadow's terrifying

presence. The token that came was an audible one a whispered laugh that shuddered as it came from unseen

lips. Quavering reverberations, silent shocks of impending doom, beat weirdly against Furzman's eardrums.

Then came the voice of The Shadow. It followed the persisting echoes; it carried an eerie note that resembled

a sneer, yet which held a strain of bitter mockery. Each whispered word was delivered in an uncanny tone

"King Furzman" The Shadow's statement sounded as a knell "you have plotted crime. That is why you

have met The Shadow. You can hope for no deliverance while I am here. You will tell me what I wish to

Unconsciously, the big shot found himself nodding in reply to The Shadow's words.

"You have heard from your henchman," resumed The Shadow. "Graham Wellerton has told you where he has

Tensely, Furzman tried to resist the threat. The eyes of The Shadow glinted. The muzzle of the automatic

moved forward with a subtle thrust. Furzman replied mechanically, hoping only to avoid the menace of The

"Wellerton has gone" the big shot's voice was no more than a gulping gasp "to to Grand Rapids gone

"Bank holdup," gasped Furzman. "The the" the pause was hopeless "the Riverview Trust will be his

"Two nights from now," gulped Furzman. "Two nights from now before nine o'clock "

THE SHADOW'S laugh was one of whispered scorn. The tone provoked new terror in King Furzman's evil

brain. Despite the fact that he had told the truth, the big shot knew that The Shadow was not yet through with

"You have money here" The Shadow's words broke in a hideous, sneering chuckle "money which does

"In the wall of this room," panted the big shot. "Behind the third panel from the door in a safe "

"The combination," prompted The Shadow, with his terrifying aftermath of whispered mirth.

"Three four one eight " Furzman spoke in monotonous fashion, is though his lips worked of their own

"Your crime is proven," came The Shadow's sinister judgment. "You have profited by the work of others.

You shall suffer of your own accord. That telephone" the blazing orbs stared beyond the big shot "will be

"Call detective headquarters," ordered The Shadow. "Ask for Detective Joe Cardona. Tell him who you are.

Tell him you are waiting for him. That is all. Remember" the tone was ominous "one word concerning

Pangs of terror brought convulsive shudders to King Furzman's stout frame. The big shot's knees were

quaking, his hands could scarcely lift the telephone. In a quavering voice, the man called as directed.

He could hear The Shadow's whisper coming closer; staring, he saw the black cloak swish and show its

"Your man Gouger," warned The Shadow, "has completed his search for me. He is in the other room. He

A voice was clicking over the wire. The Shadow's sinister tones ended. King Furzman, fighting for his life,

asked weakly for Joe Cardona. He heard the reply that Cardona himself was on the wire.

"This is King Furzman," said the big shot, pathetically. "I'm in my own apartment, Cardona. I I want to talk

to you here" Furzman's voice broke as his eyes stared toward the glowing orbs that were The Shadow's eyes

"I I was in on those bank robberies yesterday. The dough is here in the wall of this room "

Furzman's lips were twitching, his eyes were moving furtively, trying to escape the terrible gaze of The

Shadow. Suddenly, they became transfixed with a gleam of wild hope as they saw beyond the shoulders of

the blackclad master. With a short gasp, Furzman stepped back a little. The telephone dropped from his

There was a swish as The Shadow whirled. Furzman's sudden gaze, his defensive action both were

indicative, but The Shadow's keen intuition was already working when the signal came.

Before the telephone had clattered to the floor, The Shadow was facing the draped archway where the figure

Gouger was there. Purely by chance, the bodyguard had come back over the trail which he had taken through

the anteroom. Arriving in the darkened space between anteroom and reception room, he had heard the sound

THE instant that he had observed the blotting form of The Shadow, Gouger had drawn his revolver to point it

toward the menacing figure in black. Swift in action, steady in aim, Gouger had acted with prompt precision;

but as his finger touched the trigger, The Shadow, miraculously alert, had swung.

A mere turn would not have sufficed. The Shadow's whirl, however, was a sweeping move. As his tall form

swung, it whisked to the right, just as Gouger's revolver blazed from the darkened room.

A bullet singed the left shoulder of the long black cloak. The Shadow's lips responded with a mocking cry of

While taunting mirth rang through the room, Gouger swung his revolver toward the enemy in black. His

finger, still upon the trigger, was about to loose a second bullet when a terrific roar came from The Shadow's

The shot was perfect. Beyond the archway, Gouger tottered. The bodyguard's revolver fell from the useless

If Gouger was prompt in action, so was King Furzman. The revolver shot from the other room dispelled the

With the first spurt of flame, King Furzman's nerve came back to him. His hand sped to his pocket. His

fingers yanked forth the revolver that was there. On the upswing, the big shot drew his weapon just as The

With that shot, The Shadow turned. Furzman's upwardmoving revolver was racing with the automatic that

came in a wide sweep as The Shadow whirled back to meet his first enemy. Both guns reached their aiming

But another phenomenon occurred. The form of The Shadow seemed to collapse a split second before his

When the guns boomed, both figures were momentarily motionless; then, as The Shadow's form became

erect, King Furzman's body swayed and crumpled. His revolver slipped to the floor beside him.

The Shadow's wits had prevailed. Simultaneous shots, each delivered with quick accuracy, had gone forth

The big shot's bullet, aimed for The Shadow's heart, had done no more than clip the upper edge of the black

slouch hat. The Shadow's bullet, with Furzman's body as its target, had found its appointed mark.

A SARDONIC laugh came from The Shadow's lips. The tone seemed to carry a note of tragedy. Once again,

The Shadow had performed swift deeds that were essential to his ceaseless war against men of crime. The

fallen telephone, connected directly with detective headquarters, had recorded the shots of the unexpected

Forces of the law would be on their way, to find that grim justice had been delivered; yet the part which The

He had offered King Furzman a chance to live; the big shot had sought to kill him in return. King Furzman,

Swiftly, The Shadow went to the wall and opened the panel of which Furzman had spoken. He turned the

combination of the safe and loosed its metal door. He then closed the panel so the opening would have to be

discovered by the searching detectives. King Furzman had admitted to Cardona that the stolen bank funds

The black cloak swished. Swiftly, The Shadow glided away. He passed through the anteroom and left the

outer door unlocked. His tall form disappeared down a stairway at the end of the corridor.

The Shadow had gained the information that he sought. Graham Wellerton, speeding westward with his mob,

would be due for a surprise. King Furzman, the big shot, had spoken. He had given out the facts which he had

King Furzman, alone, had known his lieutenant's plans. Now The Shadow knew them also. Knowing where

THREE long minutes elapsed after the departure of The Shadow. The corridor outside of King Furzman's

apartment was silent and undisturbed. Then came the clang of an opening door. A man stepped out from an

This visitor was an unexpected one. He was not an officer of the law. Mere chance had brought him here

during the interim between The Shadow's departure and the arrival of the police.

The fangtoothed gangster looked about him in a furtive manner. He knew that he was taking liberties in

paying a visit to this place against King Furzman's orders. That was why he had not announced himself in the

lobby. He had sneaked past the doorman to board an elevator; the operator had not seen the action and hence

Wolf approached the door of the big shot's apartment. He rapped softly, then loudly. There was no response

Wolf was restless. In his mistrust of Graham Wellerton, he felt it imperative to talk with King Furzman; yet

After half a minute, Wolf nervously placed his hand upon the doorknob and gave it a turn. He was surprised

Stepping into the anteroom, Wolf glanced about in a puzzled manner. Where was Gouger? Why had the

Wolf saw opportunity. He would walk boldly in, surprise King Furzman and inform the big shot of Gouger's

negligence. This would break the ice for the interview which Wolf was so anxious to gain.

Closing the outer door behind him, Wolf took the course toward the reception room. He reached the darkened

room through which he had to pass; there he stumbled upon something which was lying on the floor.

Staring, Wolf discerned the body of Gouger! Leaning down to touch the inert form, Wolf found his fingers in

Startled, the gang leader stepped over Gouger's body and entered the reception room. A short gasp came from

Springing forward, Wolf reached the big shot's body. He raised King's head and stared into the big shot's

Eyelids trembled. King Furzman's glassy gaze stared directly at Wolf Daggert. The dying big shot did not

"Who got you, King?" questioned Wolf anxiously. "Who got you? Not not The Shadow?"

King Furzman's head gave a feeble nod. Anxiously, Wolf stared about him as though fearing a sinister

presence which still might be within this room of death. Then, to Wolf's ears, came the gasping tones of

The head dropped back as Wolf held it. King Furzman's body stiffened in death. Wolf stared at the gruesome

countenance of this man who had been his chief. Scattered thoughts flashed through the gang leader's brain.

WOLF had come here to damage Graham Wellerton's connection with the big shot. Predominating in the evil

gang leader's mind was a hatred for Wellerton, whom he had encouraged into crookery and who had

Wolf had been sure that The Shadow had intervened at the Parkerside Trust holdup. Wolf, therefore, felt that

his own failure had been justified, and Graham Wellerton's success at the Terminal National had made the

Had The Shadow traced King Furzman through Wolf? Possibly; yet Wolf, proud of his own craftiness, was

His eyes gleamed shrewdly; his lips twisted with hatred. He thought of Graham Wellerton, away on the road

A keen suspicion came into Wolf's mind. The gang leader arose; his fists tightened. His thoughts changed

suddenly, as Wolf spied the telephone upon the floor. At that moment, the gang leader's schemes dwindled as

Had King Furzman tried to make a call for aid before encountering The Shadow? King was dead; so was

Gouger. Both had been shot in some swift fray. Wolf realized that the telephone might have served as an

Quickly, the evilfaced gang leader hurried toward the anteroom. Arriving there, he peered into the empty

corridor; then skulked forth toward the elevators. He heard a clang at one of the metal doors and made a

HE was just in time. The door of the elevator shaft opened and out stepped a swarthy individual whom Wolf

recognized as Joe Cardona, ace of New York detectives. Sneaking down the stairway, Wolf thought only of

As he reached a lower floor, the gang leader heard men coming up. Hastily, the gangster tried apartment

He discovered that the apartment was empty. He found a window that was some ten feet above the roof of a

low, adjoining building. Wolf scrambled through this exit. He beat his way across the roof, broke open a

trapdoor and dropped down into the top floor of an oldfashioned apartment building.

As Wolf hurried from the vicinity of the apartment house where King Furzman had been slain, his scheming

mind again began to function. Thoughts of Graham Wellerton, free and on the road to independent crime,

Entering a cigar store, Wolf made a telephone call. He spoke in an eager tone to the man who answered.

"That you, Garry?" Wolf inquired. "Yeah. This is Wolf Daggert... Say can you get hold of a good fast

wagon? Good... I got somethin' that'll work out great... Sure I'm scrammin' from New York... No the bulls

ain't on my trail... I'll put you wise when you show up with the boat. Sure. I can meet you at the garage.

ONE hour later, Wolf Daggert and his companion, Garry, were whirling along a New Jersey highway. Wolf,

his evil face wearing an ugly smile, was pouring out his story while Garry replied with understanding

"If we get a break," Wolf was explaining, "we'll catch up with them guys before they get to Grand Rapids.

"Maybe," agreed Wolf, "but that ain't goin' to matter anyway. If we get into Grand Rapids ahead of them, we

can make out all right. Say wait until I get a hold of Wellerton's mob and spill what I've got to say "

Wolf's speech ended; the gang leader stuck his head from the side window of the speeding car and looked

The swift metal bird, its searchlight ablaze, was winging past the automobile at tremendous speed. Wolf

"Say," he commented, "that guy was hummin' along. Boy if he was bound for Grand Rapids, he'd get there

The airplane's hum was fading far ahead as Wolf Daggert completed his statement. The shrewd gang leader

said nothing more. His thoughts were of the chase which he had undertaken, a pursuit that would end when

Chance had intervened. By a freak of fate, Wolf Daggert had learned facts from the dying lips of King

Furzman. The gang leader knew where Graham Wellerton was heading; he was ready to spoil the plans of the

New territory lay ahead. Graham Wellerton had planned to invade a district where The Shadow would not

trouble him. Wolf Daggert now was planning a course that would enable him to profit by Graham's brains.

Yet in his calculations, Wolf Daggert never dreamed that King Furzman had squealed to The Shadow before

the battle in the apartment. Little did Wolf suppose that Graham Wellerton was riding into a trap; that he,

That swift plane that had sped far ahead! Merely as conjecture had Wolf suggested Grand Rapids in

connection with it. Actually, the gang leader would have picked the Michigan city as the least likely

Had Wolf known who was riding in that ship, his thoughts would have changed from eagerness to

trepidation. Realization of grim danger would have made the yellow gang leader turn back toward New York.

For the pilot of the silverwinged plane was a being who rode in darkness. His destination was the city of

Grand Rapids. Hurling forward through the night, The Shadow was aiming for the place where crime would

When Graham Wellerton's mob advanced upon its intended foray, The Shadow, enemy of crime, would be

TWENTYFOUR hours later, two sedans pulled up beside a filling station at the side of a lonely road. A

man in a dark gray overcoat stepped from one automobile and approached the filling station, ordering

The service man noted a frank, wellfeatured face beneath the visor of a cap. He also saw a dark sweater

under the halfbuttoned overcoat. He classed the stranger as an ordinary tourist in informal garb. He went out

The man with cap and overcoat was Graham Wellerton. His mobsmen were lounging in the cars, ready to

proceed as soon as the tanks were filled. The squad of raiders, traveling in a pair of automobiles, was not

As Graham Wellerton walked to the front of the first machine, he came into the glare of headlights that were

arriving along the road. Brakes ground as a coupe swung in beside the sedans. The door of the coupe opened

There was a malicious gleam in Wolf's eye a token which made Graham instantly understand that

"I'll tell you later, Wellerton," returned the gang leader. "Slide one of your men into my car. I want to ride

Graham motioned to a man in the front seat of the first sedan. The fellow clambered out to take Wolf's place

in the coupe. Graham sat behind the wheel of the sedan; Wolf dropped into the seat beside him. The sedan

"I'll tell you when we get away a bit," returned Wolf. "Pick a side road where we can stop. There's trouble

GRAHAM felt ill at ease when he heard Wolf's words. He suspected malice on the part of the yellow gang

leader. He could not understand why King Furzman could have dispatched Wolf in pursuit of the secret

Nevertheless, Graham could see no possible danger from Wolf's presence. In accordance with his

companion's suggestion, he picked a side road and brought the sedan to a stop. The other cars came up in

The mobsters in the rear seat were leaning forward to catch Wolf's words. Other men were coming up from

"No," returned Graham shortly. "We've stayed away from towns during our trip. We haven't seen any of

"Take a look at this, then," stated Wolf, pulling a folded newspaper from his pocket. "Out here you can read

Before Graham could object, Wolf was clambering from his seat and making for the front of the sedan.

Graham's mobsters, eager to know what was up, were following. There was nothing to do but act in accord

As he reached the front of the car, Graham heard growls of astonishment coming from the men who had

arrived ahead of him. Shouldering his way through the crowd, Graham seized the newspaper that was in Wolf

Graham was reading an account of King Furzman's mysterious death. The affray in the apartment was

reported as an unexplained killing. Most potent of all was the discovery of stolen funds in a wall safe behind

"What do you think of that?" queried Wolf Daggert, as he watched Graham scan the headlines. "Who do you

"You guessed it," retorted Wolf with an evil leer. "The Shadow bumped King Furzman!"

Audible responses came from the mobsters. This piece of information was startling. All turned to Wolf for

further news. The gang leader showed his ugly teeth. His lips twisted as he prepared to loose the scheme that

"Kind of funny, ain't it?" he quizzed. "The way you named The Shadow the minute I asked you who you

"I warned King Furzman," retorted Graham. "I told him The Shadow had been trailing me "

"No." Graham faced his mobsmen. "I ducked The Shadow, boys. That's why I kept mum about it. I knew The

"I'll tell you about The Shadow." Wolf's snarl was an interruption. "It was The Shadow who queered my mob

"Kind of funny, wasn't it, that The Shadow picked on me? Kind of funny that Wellerton here was hitting the

Terminal National, right at the same time? Well, The Shadow may be tough but he can't be two places at the

"Then Wellerton starts out for Grand Rapids. What does The Shadow do? He comes in an' bumps King

"Lay off that stuff!" challenged Graham. "You're looking for trouble, Wolf. I get what you're driving at."

"It's time you got it," was the retort. "I know your game, Wellerton. Making me a sucker making King a

sucker so The Shadow would be busy takin' care of us. I know who tipped off The Shadow "

Graham Wellerton leaped forward. He was ready to beat Wolf Daggert to a pulp. His spring, however,

stopped abruptly. Wolf had anticipated it. The leering gang leader had whipped out a revolver.

With the muzzle of a gun covering him, Graham had no chance. He subsided, but his jaw was set as he eyed

ANGRY murmurs came from the mobsmen. Trouble was in the balance. Wolf Daggert's insinuations had

reached receptive ears. While Wolf held his gun, while Graham glared in return, a feeling of unrest and

"King Furzman told me how to reach you," declared Wolf. "I got there while he was dying. I didn't have time

to look for any dough. I scrammed just before Joe Cardona showed up with a flock of dicks "

"And so you trailed me," interrupted Graham. "Came along to queer a good lay to make trouble to muscle

"That's it," jeered Wolf. "There's the giveaway. Your job, you say. You ain't workin' for King Furzman no

"Gag that guy," growled Graham, appealing to the mobsmen, as he indicated Wolf with a nudging thumb.

Grunts of doubt were the response. Not a mobsman stirred. Wolf's accusations had already proven fruitful.

Graham Wellerton had played his high card. Wolf Daggert trumped it with an evil laugh.

"Come on, gang," suggested Wolf. "Grab me put me on the spot. You know me like you know Wellerton

Yellow in face of fire, Wolf Daggert was the opposite when he dealt with mobsmen. These were men of his

ilk; he understood them. His sarcastic request that Graham's command be followed was a stroke of cleverness

"All right, men," interposed Graham calmly. "Take your pick between Wolf and myself. Listen to what this

"I'm yellow, eh?" snarled Wolf. "You call this yellow comin' to tip off some real guys to the game you're

playin'? Think you're smart, you silkhat gorilla. That's all you are, Wellerton. You worked for me once; you

got in right with King Furzman an' he gave you a mob of your own. Then you queered my lay so you'd look

"Doublecrossed him?" queried Graham. "Say my cut from the Terminal National job was there with the

"You didn't collect what was comin' to you?" Wolf's tone was a hoarse laugh. "Say do you think we're a lot

of punks? Tryin' to hand us boloney like that? Listen to him, gang. Then listen to me.

"I was goin' great until this bozo began to chisel. He's the guy that let The Shadow get wise to what I was

doin'. Some of you fellows worked for me when Wellerton was takin' my orders. Was The Shadow mixin' in

As Wolf turned his head from side to side, he momentarily forgot Graham Wellerton. With a savage cry, the

young man precipitated himself upon the leering gang leader. He gripped Wolf's gun wrist; the two men

"Get him!" gurgled Wolf, as Graham's hand gripped his throat. "Get the doublecrosser!"

Garry, the man who had come with Wolf, was the one who ended the indecision. Mingled with Graham

Two mobsmen responded. They leaped upon Graham Wellerton and dragged their denounced leader away

from Wolf Daggert. Had Graham used discretion, he might have saved his cause; instead, he furiously swung

In the fray, Graham's overcoat was ripped from his body. He went down under force of numbers.

Wolf Daggert was snarling imprecations. He had won over the entire squad of mobsters. Two men had

pinioned Graham Wellerton's arms behind him. They were dragging the young man into the back seat of the

"We're goin' ahead with the Grand Rapids job," Wolf decided. "But this bird's goin' to be out of it the dirty

"Farther along," rejoined Wolf. "Too near the main road here. We'll cut over through the country. Leave it to

Men leaped back into the cars. The caravan started. Graham Wellerton, pinned by two men, was huddled in

the back seat of the first sedan. Wolf Daggert, his revolver threatening, crouched on the floor directly in front

As the cars rolled along, Graham began to realize his predicament. He knew that his only hope for life lay in

turning the men against Wolf Daggert. With an opportunity to talk, he might be able to swing the tide the

other way. But Wolf's revolver made him wary. If Graham began to argue, Wolf would shoot. That was

"Keep lookin' for a good spot," growled Wolf, to the man at the wheel. "Somewhere that'll do to dump this

A snarling laugh came from Wolf Daggert's lips as the gang leader peered over the front seat. The lights of

the sedan showed a twisting, slanting road, an embankment on the left; a ravine on the right.

As the driver applied the brakes, Graham Wellerton did the unexpected. The mobsmen on his right was

opening the side door of the sedan. With a sudden leap, Graham broke free from his captors and dived in that

Hands clutched furiously as Graham hurled himself against the door. The car was traveling at less than thirty

miles an hour when the barrier burst open and Graham Wellerton paused momentarily upon the brink, while

Turning his body, Graham delivered a swift punch squarely in his captor's face. At the same instant, Wolf

Daggert swung to aim his revolver at the maddened prisoner. Momentarily freed, Graham lost his balance.

With a startled shout, he launched from the car, just as Wolf fired two rapid shots.

IT was impossible for Wolf to tell whether or not his bullets had gone home. Graham's hurtling form had

struck the turf at the top of the embankment. From the car, stopped within a dozen yards, Wolf could see the

flying form traveling in long bounds down the side of the rough ravine. The other cars had halted.

Mobster eyes were watching the body of Graham Wellerton as swift momentum carried it to the bottom of

the gulch. The form of the exgang leader crashed into a thick clump of brush. As it disappeared, saplings

wavered in the moonlight, indicative of the force with which the body had struck.

"Yeah," agreed the gang leader. "I fired close enough, but he was on his way. Maybe one of you guys had

There were no volunteers. At spots, the sides of the sloping ravine were precipitous. Both descent and return

would be difficult. Graham's body had ended its wild trip more than one hundred feet away.

Wolf observed a tiny gleam from a turn in the road a quarter of a mile ahead. The approaching car went out

of sight as it took another bend. Its arrival here would occur within another minute.

The sedan started. The other cars followed promptly. The three automobiles passed the approaching machine.

Apparently, Wolf's car was merely a vehicle that was hogging the narrow road and slowing up two cars

"Keep on," ordered Wolf. "We don't want no trouble. That guy that we just passed won't suspect nothin'. It's a

"That trip he took didn't do him no good," laughed one of the mobsters. "It don't matter whether you gave

"I plugged him," decided Wolf, beginning to resent any doubts regarding his marksmanship. "Give him two

THE cars were speeding onward. The leading driver was talking about the best way to reach a main road.

"We're in no hurry," declared the gang leader. "We'll go ahead with the job Wellerton planned. That bank in

Grand Rapids will be our gravy and you can bet nobody's going to interfere. Wellerton saw to that."

This was the only intimation which Wolf Daggert delivered regarding the menace of The Shadow. There was

a positiveness in the gang leader's tone. He knew that The Shadow had been in New York; that King Furzman

Wolf chuckled in the assurance that the blackclad phantom would not be on hand to spoil the robbery that

lay ahead. He, Wolf Daggert, had profited by Graham Wellerton's schemes. Not for an instant did Wolf

Graham Wellerton's foray was already doomed to failure. This mob of New York bank robbers was traveling

The Shadow was already in Grand Rapids, awaiting Graham Wellerton's mob. He would receive the enemy

Wolf Daggert, by usurping the power which Graham Wellerton had possessed, was directing a crew of

In plunging from the moving sedan, Graham Wellerton had merely chosen a present danger in lieu of one

which he would have unwittingly encountered had he traveled on with a mob at his command.

The trip into the depths of the obscure ravine was a much more desirable experience than the foray on the

Wolf Daggert, triumphant, was in a much less desirable position than Graham Wellerton, vanquished. Wolf

The Shadow would be responsible for that! Mobsmen had chosen a new leadership. The result would be the

GRAHAM WELLERTON opened his eyes. He found himself staring straight upward into moonlight. He was

lying on a matting of thick grass, fringed by clusters of scrubby bushes and light saplings. The gurgle of a

At first, Graham had no recollection of how he had reached this spot. A medley of scattered thoughts ached

through his brain: King Furzman Wolf Daggert Carma these three who had played a part in his career

Graham tried to collect his ideas into a reasoned process, but failed in the attempt. Somehow, he realized that

he was no longer working for King Furzman; he also seemed to know that Wolf Daggert had caused him

trouble. These thoughts were disturbing, but through them, Graham had a vague belief that all that might

Unsteadily, Graham managed to rise to his feet. He experienced a sickening sensation and a pain in the back

of his head. He rubbed his face; dimly, in the moonlight, he saw blood upon his hand. Moving weakly toward

This experience was refreshing; nevertheless, Graham had difficulty in remembering recent events.

One impression stood out; that of a wild leap from a traveling automobile. Responding to the thought,

Graham began to feel his arms and legs as though expecting to find some broken bones.

Revolver shots! They had come with that leap. Graham smiled weakly. He had escaped the death that was

intended for him. He had fallen far; he had crashed through snapping boughs and scratching brambles; but he

Mechanically, the young man forced his way through a mass of bushes and came to the side of the ravine. He

picked his way up the steep ascent, gripping clumps of thick, dry grass, slipping and tottering at times as he

made the climb. At times, he caught hold of projecting chunks of rock. His fall down the ravine had been

Graham sank exhausted when he reached the brink beside the road. He felt many aches. The climb had been a

painful one. The jarring effects of the fall were apparent. Graham had a slight limp as he regained his feet and

Actually, the young man was suffering from a slight concussion of the brain, caused by one of the jolts that

he had experienced. This injury, while it curbed his mental processes, made him oblivious to the minor hurts

LIMPING and bleeding from small wounds, his face bearing livid scratches, Graham Wellerton made a sad

appearance as he trudged along on a meaningless quest. He was a natty gentleman of crime no longer; he

Hazily, Graham recognized his plight. He was somewhere in a rural district, illy clad and away from the help

of friends. For the first time, Graham's thoughts pertained to money, and he shoved his hand into the pocket

Startled, Graham came to a halt. He turned to head aimlessly back toward the ravine; then came a momentary

He recalled himself as a captive in an automobile; he remembered a captor seated beside him. That was

where the money had gone. One of his former associates had frisked his pocket after Wolf Daggert had

Graham Wellerton did not have a dime. He laughed hoarsely and began to trudge onward. After a mile of

long, winding road, he came to a crossroad and stared gloomily at the signpost. He noted names there and

repeated them in a familiar tone; then, while his thoughts were still confused, he turned to the left and began

Graham did not know. He knew that he was miles from the main road where Wolf Daggert had overtaken the

marauding band. He could recall that event now. But he had no desire to go back to the main highway. He

was following this littleused road in response to some peculiar awakening of longforgotten memory.

Another crossing. By the moonlight, Graham Wellerton read a new sign and laughed. He resumed his

progress. As he reached a fork, he instinctively took the road to the right. He seemed to recall events of long

Steady tramping became monotonous. Not once did Graham Wellerton desist from his steady, plodding pace

as he covered weary miles. A predominating purpose was banging in the back of his head. He was going

somewhere; he would not stop until he arrived. His whole condition was governed by a mental cloud.

Minutes became hours. Graham, was indifferent to the passage of time. At last he struck a macadamized road

and breathed a long sigh of relief. This long tramp had been a weary experience; without knowing it, Graham

had covered a distance of nearly twenty miles; but the journey seemed to be nearing a logical end.

A picket fence showed on the right. Dull moonlight revealed a grilled gateway. Graham Wellerton stopped

Gray tombstones, whitened by the shimmering light, showed the place to be a cemetery. Graham felt a desire

to enter the graveyard why, he did not know. The iron gate resisted his feeble efforts to open it. Desisting,

This time a wooden fence stopped him. He looked upon the expanse of an old abandoned race track. He

wanted to climb that fence; to run around the halfmile oval. Weariness, coming with increased recognition,

He passed houses set back behind rows of evenlyplanted trees. He found himself entering the main street of

a town, where occasional lights shone from overhead. Then came a sound that made him stop and listen

EACH reverberation of the beating gong was a driving stroke in Graham Wellerton's brain. Surging

Quickening his pace, the dazed man moved along the street. He began to eye buildings that seemed familiar.

He turned a corner down another lighted street. He came to a building that stood apart. It looked like a large

Graham Wellerton read a largelettered sign above the building. The words were plain in the light from the

The irony of the present moment came clearly to Graham's mind. Clouds lifted. He understood. Until this

minute, he had not realized in what part of the country he might be; he had known only that he was

somewhere between New York and Grand Rapids. Now he knew that he was in the town of Southwark.

Every important incident since the ravine was suddenly explained. The first signpost had pointed to the town

of Southwark; so had the next. Then Graham had found himself upon a familiar road. He had followed the

The cemetery that was where he had so often visited his mother's grave. The race track that was where he

had run races with his boyhood companions. This building had been his father's bank. The house beyond it

The name of Ezra Talboy signified the truth which Graham had learned while absent from the town of

Southwark. Ezra Talboy, brother of Graham's mother, had swindled Graham's father of all he owned. Well

did Graham remember his sourfaced uncle. Ezra Talboy must be an old man by this time a meanhearted

GRAHAM WELLERTON clenched his fists as he approached the bank building. His head was no longer

swimming. He had regained his normal faculties. He wanted to smash through the grated windows. He

reached in his pocket to feel for his revolver. It was gone. The weapon had been stolen also.

Surging wrath, unquenchable hatred these were the elements which ruled Graham Wellerton. He despised

this town of Southwark, hated every person who lived within its limits. He had a mad desire to do damage

While Graham hesitated between these mixed emotions, a footstep sounded behind him. Graham turned

quickly to find himself facing a burly man in uniform, who held a leveled revolver.

Complete weariness was having its effect. Without a word, Graham Wellerton submitted to the officer's

order. He found himself marching back toward the main street, down an alleyway to the old town jail. The

When the officer had left, Graham rolled over wearily upon the cot. His long tramp showed its results.

Forgetful of all but fatigue, Graham Wellerton fell asleep. The brightness of morning was the next waking

SOMEONE was shaking the barred door. Graham looked up to see the man who had arrested him. The

officer ordered him to come along. Graham obeyed. He was taken into a small courtroom where a handful of

Graham recognized the justice of the peace. Old Silas Schuble had been his father's friend. He noted another

elderly man whom he knew: Harwin Dowser, Southwark's principal lawyer. Dowser was evidently here to

take up some other case, for he did not express interest as Graham was brought up before Justice Schuble.

"Vagrancy is the charge," said the officer who had brought Graham to the courtroom. "I found this man

Schuble eyed the young man sharply. Graham repressed a smile when he noted that the justice did not

recognize him. To Graham, that was an achievement. His memory of his father had touched his pride. He did

"Unless you can give some account for your presence here," declared Schuble severely, "I shall be forced to

As the officer led him from the courtroom, Graham noted that Harwin Dowser was eying him curiously.

Graham met the lawyer's gaze with an indifferent glance. Dowser turned away. Moodily, Graham, allowed

Much though he detested the town of Southwark, he was to be its guest for the coming month. The irony of

the situation was impressive on that bright morning. Graham could not help but smile.

He had escaped the law on many occasions when he had been engaged in dangerous crime; this time, when

Graham felt his hatred for the town of Southwark increasing beyond its former measure. He realized that he

was a man from the past, a stranger no longer recognized in the town where his father once had been the most

Whatever his career elsewhere might have been, Graham had never done a wrong within the bounds of

Southwark. Yet this was his reward in the one place where he had lived an honest life.

Graham Wellerton had come home after years of wandering. Unwelcomed, unrecognized, he had been

sentenced to jail on a charge of vagrancy. Graham Wellerton did not care. His mob had gone over to Wolf

As for Carma, Southwark was the last place in all the world where she would look for Graham!

Two dozen men were tramping along a rough road. Behind them came three others, armed with rifles. A

command sounded from the rear; the gang fell out at the side of the road. One of the guards opened a huge

box that was standing beside a tree. Each of the two dozen men advanced in turn to take out a pick.

Methodically, the road gang fell to work. Under the watchful eyes of the armed guards, these prisoners began

their daily toil. Pick points clicked upon stone. Snatches of conversation began.

Road work in this county was no sinecure, yet it lacked the barbarity so popularly supposed to dominate all

chain gangs. Two dozen shortterm prisoners, under the supervision of several competent guards, were

allowed reasonable privileges so long as they kept busy with their picks. Graham Wellerton, drafted to this

toil, found it an annoyance rather than a hardship. He was in his fifth day of service and he had taken his

He paid very little attention to words uttered by the other prisoners, but today, something that he heard made

"Out in Grand Rapids," one man was saying. "The paper that I seen was a coupla days old "

"You say the cops plugged seven of 'em?" a man was asking. "Didn't none of 'em get away?"

"It wasn't the cops," Graham heard. "That's the funny part of it. When the holdup started "

Words were intermittent as they came to Graham's ears, but the young man caught the important details of

A squad of armed marauders had entered the Riverview Trust in Grand Rapids, a few nights ago. Before they

had been able to engineer the holdup, shots had broken loose. The sight of dropping raiders was the first

The shots had been delivered from the semidarkness of the street. Mobsmen had started to flee; they had been

shot down. Others had dashed into the bank to be met by watchmen and tellers. Police had arrived to find

It seemed that mutiny must have broken out in the ranks of the raiders during the crucial moments of the

attack. There was no other explanation for the startling result. The case was a baffling one.

GRAHAM WELLERTON was grim as he swung the pick. He knew the answer to this frustrated crime. The

broken attack was a repetition of the Parkerside disaster in New York, where Wolf Daggert and his henchmen

Somehow, that master of crime detection had learned Graham's schemes. He had arrived in Grand Rapids

ahead of the raiders. Had Graham still been in command of his men, he would have gone down with his

Graham chuckled in sarcastic fashion. He realized now that Wolf Daggert had done him a good turn. By

usurping the leadership, Wolf had put himself in a mess. The evilfaced gang leader had walked into the trap

Seven men in the gang. Graham made a mental calculation. His own men had numbered nine. Wolf, with

Garry, made two more a total of eleven. That left four at large. Graham growled his contempt of the

He was glad that three of the four had escaped; but he was positive that he knew the identity of the fourth

man Wolf Daggert himself. The cowardly gang leader had played his old trick of staying back with a few

As Graham marveled at The Shadow's skillful cunning, he realized that Wolf had been in luck. The Shadow

had been expecting a mob headed by Graham Wellerton a leader who went with the advance. The Shadow

Instead of Graham, Wolf had appeared as leader if he rightfully deserved such a title. Wolf's idea of

leadership was to lurk until the flight began; then to lead the way. That was why Wolf had escaped The

Nevertheless, Wolf had failed; his present predicament was as bad a one as Graham's.

Swinging his pick automatically, Graham Wellerton considered all angles of the case. He realized that when

he finished his thirtyday term, he would have to choose a new course of action. A fresh start in crime that

Crime, now that he was temporarily away from it, seemed a sordid, futile existence. On the contrary, any

course that would fit in with recognized ways of society were just as distasteful.

Why should he, Graham Wellerton, attempt to live a lawabiding life? Justice as the world saw it was not

There, he decided, was a man as crooked as they made them a swindler, a thief, a heartless wretch. Yet

Ezra Talboy, by staying within the rules set by law, had gained full title to the wealth and prestige which he

GRAHAM'S own plight soured him further. Here, with the road gang, he was paying a penalty demanded by

socalled justice. He was serving a short term for vagrancy his only crime having been the instinct of

He had come to Southwark in a dazed condition, a fit subject for human kindness. He had been seized by an

officer anxious to make an arrest. He had been committed to jail in a coldhearted fashion.

The repeated call from one of the guards caused Graham to suddenly realize that the shout was for him. He

Graham saw that the prisoners had quit their work and were enjoying temporary respite as they sat along a

grassy embankment beside the road. Graham joined his companions. While two guards, rifles ready, were on

watch, the third was talking with a stranger who had alighted from an automobile.

"That's Ralph Delkin," one of the prisoners was saying, in a low tone. "Big manufacturer down in

"He's on some county committee," came the explanation. "Supposed to check up on the road gangs."

"No. They say Delkin's a good egg. Won't stand for no rough stuff. You notice they gave us a lay off when he

Graham Wellerton was looking in the direction indicated. He remembered Ralph Delkin from years ago. He

In appearance, Delkin was stern and squarejawed; in action, brusque and businesslike. There was an air

Delkin, Graham estimated, must now be about fortyfive years of age. The girl who was approaching him

was certainly his daughter. Graham remembered her as a child Eunice Delkin. She was now in her early

Ralph Delkin was looking along the row of prisoners. His practiced eye was studying each face. His purpose

was apparent; he was here to pick out any who might have cause for protest at harsh treatment which had

GRAHAM noticed that Eunice followed her father's gaze. There was a frankness in her expression that made

each toughened prisoner feel sheepish. Until she came to Graham, Eunice met only wavering glances; but as

she looked at the former gentleman of crime, something in Graham's cold stare caused her to steadily return

Graham Wellerton smiled disdainfully. Eunice Delkin was beautiful; her light hair, her frank eyes these

were the features which most impressed him. But Graham could not help but compare her lot with his own.

His father like hers had been a prominent citizen of Southwark. But he, Graham Wellerton was an

outcast, sentenced to the road gang by socalled justice, while she, protected by her father's high standing in

Ralph Delkin was turning away. He spoke to his daughter. Still glancing at Graham Wellerton, Eunice

plucked her father's sleeve and spoke. Delkin turned and looked at Graham. His eyes became puzzled. He

Rising, Graham slouched forward, still wearing his challenging smile. As he neared the little group, Delkin

"My name is Gruger," retorted Graham, loud enough for Eunice and the guard to hear. "George Gruger."

"This man," said Eunice quietly, "is Graham Wellerton. There is no question about it. I remember him."

The even modulation of the girl's tone was convincing. Her voice was kindly; her attitude was friendly.

Graham was forced to assume a gruff indifference in order to meet this positive statement of his identity.

"What of it?" he questioned. "Suppose I am Graham Wellerton? What's that to anyone around here?"

Ralph Delkin extended his hand. Graham turned quickly to pretend that he did not see the gesture. His eyes

With a shrug of his shoulders, Graham stalked away toward the other prisoners. He did not want Delkin's

friendship. Nevertheless, he could not stand and face a man who offered him a handshake; nor could he look

into the frank eyes of a girl who had picked him out as his father's son from among two dozen criminals.

When Graham Wellerton reached the embankment and finally turned about, Ralph Delkin and his daughter

were walking back to the automobile. Graham laughed roughly. He felt that he had forestalled this one

At the noon hour, however, when a car arrived with lunch for the prisoners, Graham was informed that he

was to go back to Southwark. Figuring that his term on the road gang was ended, he boarded the automobile

Graham knew this fellow. Ellis Taussig was his name; he had been county sheriff ever since Graham's

boyhood. Southwark was the county seat; and Taussig had evidently come up from there.

The car reached the town and pulled up beside the courthouse. Taussig ordered Graham to alight.

Instead of leading the young man toward the jail, he took him into the courthouse. They walked through a

corridor and reached a small room. As Graham entered, he was quick to recognize the people there.

JUSTICE SCHUBLE Harwin Dowser, the lawyer these were the first two whom Graham Wellerton

noticed. Then he saw another pair: Ralph Delkin and his daughter, Eunice. Graham hesitated; Sheriff Taussig

Justice Schuble spoke. His tone was an inquiry as he looked at the young man before him.

"Since I have been informed correctly," declared Schuble, "I shall immediately arrange your release. I

sentenced you for vagrancy purely because you refused to give a reason for your presence in the town of

Southwark. As a former member of this community, you are entitled to your freedom here."

"You are making a mistake," retorted Graham coldly. "I have no business in Southwark. Much though I

detest the town, I was unjustly forced to be its guest for a period of thirty days. I have no money; I have

"After the thirty days or as many more as you choose to give me have ended, I intend to leave this

Graham broke into a sneering laugh as he saw the furious expression on Justice Schuble's face. Harwin

Dowser, evidently here in Graham's behalf, sprang forward to make a plea that the young man's contempt be

overlooked. Sheriff Taussig and Ralph Delkin did not know what to say. It was Eunice who solved the

Stepping forward, the girl looked squarely into Graham's eyes. Her expression of disapproval was one that

caused Graham to end his condemning statements. Then, turning to the justice, Eunice made the winning

"Please forget this outburst," the girl said. "Graham does not realize what he is saying. He will not be a

vagrant while he is here in Southwark. My father and I are inviting him to live at our home. He should have

"Very well," decided Schuble. "I shall overlook the contempt which has been expressed. I am releasing

It was Eunice, again, who ended all objections. Before her father could step forward, she had extended her

hand to Graham. The young man was too stupefied to exhibit the discourtesy which he had shown to Ralph

Delkin that morning. Mechanically, he shook hands with Eunice; then received the clasp which Ralph Delkin

THE Delkins took Graham in their automobile. When they arrived at the house, Delkin remarked that he

would make arrangements for new apparel and whatever else Graham might require. He added that there

would be a job for Graham in the plant. It was then that Graham regained his challenging air.

"You're going to a lot of useless trouble, both of you," he asserted. "I don't want your friendship. I hate

Southwark, and I have no regard for anyone who lives here. If you think that you are doing me a kind turn,

you are wrong. If you insist upon my remaining here, I can tell you in advance that you will be sorry."

"Don't talk that way, Graham," responded Delkin, in a kindly tone. "My friendship toward you is a real one

"Graham will learn that, father," interposed Eunice. "He will appreciate our sentiment. He will learn to like it

Graham Wellerton made no remark. He was prepared to resist any display of friendship that came from Ralph

Delkin, but he could not force himself into an argument with the girl who had persuaded her father to do him

Graham's silence indicated that he was willing to remain. Without further discussion, Ralph Delkin conducted

his resentful guest to the room which had been provided for him. Thus did Graham Wellerton begin a new

Ralph Delkin, at Eunice's behest, had played the part of good Samaritan. He had accepted Graham Wellerton

in memory of the young man's father. Little did he suspect that he was sheltering a man who had but recently

To Graham Wellerton, a short stay at Delkin's home would prove acceptable purely as a period of

recuperation. In his heart, the man who had returned to Southwark was planning a new career of crime.

For the present, only, he was accepting the conditions imposed upon him. In his heart, he carried no thanks

Soon he would go his way again. With a new start, he would take up crime with a spirit of vindictiveness.

Alone, Graham Wellerton smiled grimly as he thought of the past. Wolf Daggert would be out of his life;

There was only one person whom Graham Wellerton considered as a menace. That one was the strange,

What did The Shadow matter? Graham was sure that he could travel beyond the reach of the master of crime.

In that surmise, Graham Wellerton was wrong. The Shadow, weird and mysterious, was to play an

unexpected part in events which were already shaping Graham Wellerton's destiny.

DAYS had passed since Graham Wellerton's arrival in Southwark. Days had drifted into weeks. Freed from

the necessity of crime, Graham Wellerton had entered a period of restful recuperation. He had, through

misfortune, gained security which he would not have known had he met The Shadow face to face.

Had Graham Wellerton been leader of the band which The Shadow had encountered in Grand Rapids, the

depredations of the holdup gangs would have been ended. The Shadow, after his forced elimination of King

Yet crime had known only a brief interlude. New events had arisen in the Middle West, to inform the warring

master that his final stroke had not been one of complete elimination. Facts, in the form of newspaper

In a high floor of a New York office building, a chubbyfaced, lethargic man was sitting at a desk, studying

newspapers that lay before him. This quiet individual, Rutledge Mann by name, was known to his friends as

an investment broker. Actually, however, Mann served as contact agent for The Shadow and one of his duties

Clipping as he perused the outoftown newspapers, Mann had assembled a small heap of items pertaining

to successful raids made by bank robbers in small towns of the Middle West. As he put the clippings into an

The towers of Manhattan did not attract Mann's eye. The investment broker was lost in thought. He was

speculating on affairs which concerned The Shadow. This was a relaxation in which Mann seldom indulged;

but recent events had caused him to wonder just what lay behind the present chain of circumstances.

By his constant reading of the newspapers, Mann had learned to detect the hidden presence of The Shadow in

many instances. Of The Shadow himself, Rutledge Mann knew very little. The investment broker merely

supplied information and handled detail work for his unknown master. But whenever Mann discovered the

unusual in the news, he could sense that The Shadow had loosed his hand against those opposed to the law.

There had been bank robberies in New York. One raid had been shattered on the same day that another had

The next occurrence had been an attempted holdup in Grand Rapids one which had been mysteriously

Mann, reading between the lines, decided that The Shadow had accomplished that deed and had terminated

So far good. But what of the intermittent robberies in small towns the work of a few men that had been

Mann again picked out a reason. A few of the last gang must still be at large, committing depredations on a

Shortly after sending the first notices of such robberies to The Shadow, Mann had received word to

communicate with Harry Vincent, one of The Shadow's active agents. Mann had given Harry a sealed

envelope which had come by mail from The Shadow. Mann knew only that Harry was to go to a town called

What did Southwark have to do with the bank robberies? Most of them were in the vicinity of that town in

fact, today's clippings told of raiders breaking into a bank not more than fifty miles from the town where

But why had The Shadow singled out Southwark as a headquarters for his agent? That problem completely

The investment broker sealed his envelope of clippings. He walked into an outer office. There, the

stenographer handed him a letter which had just arrived in the mail. It bore the postmark of Southwark. Mann

ripped open the envelope and found another envelope within. A special report from Harry Vincent.

Leaving his office, Mann went to the street and took a taxicab to Twentythird Street. He entered a

dilapidated building, ascended an old stairway and approached a battered door on a floor above the street.

Rutledge Mann poked the envelope of clippings through the mail chute; he followed it with Harry Vincent's

envelope. With a last glance at the cobwebbed glass panel, the investment broker departed.

This unusual office served as The Shadow's letter box. Apparently, it had been vacant for some years. Mann,

in all his visits, had never observed signs of occupancy. All letters which Mann placed there, however,

A FEW hours after Mann had made his visit to the office on Twentythird Street, a click sounded in a

pitchblack room. Light replaced darkness. The illumination came from a weird blue lamp that hung, shaded,

The rays of light seemed to fade as they encountered the thick darkness beyond that limited area. One

luminous circle was all that pervaded this room. Heavy, gloomy atmosphere cast a dominating awe.

Out of darkness came two white, creeping objects. They were hands human hands, lithe and longfingered

that moved like detached creatures of life. They rested within the circle of light. Alike in formation, they

From the third finger of the left hand gleamed a flaming jewel. Like a living coal of fire, it flashed

Somber maroon in its original color, the stone turned to a brilliant purple; then faded to a pale azure that sent

This gem was the token of The Shadow. It was a priceless girasol, a rare jewel unmatched in all the world. Its

weird hues symbolized the mysterious personality of the amazing being who wore it. Moreover, the gem

As the colorchanging girasol told the identity of its wearer, so did the bluish light from the lamp reveal the

The Shadow was in his sanctum an unknown abode somewhere in Manhattan a mysterious room of

One hand moved away. It returned and dropped envelopes upon the table. Some had been opened previously.

From them now came clippings accumulated references supplied by Rutledge Mann. Two sealed envelopes

were torn open by the strong but slender fingers. These were the envelopes which Rutledge Mann had so

The eyes of The Shadow eyes hidden in darkness beyond the lamp studied the clippings. The hands

Then came Harry Vincent's report sheet. It was a concise message, written in code. The Shadow read the

Hardly had the invisible eyes completed their perusal before the written words began to fade one by one.

This was an expected phenomenon. In all communications to and from The Shadow, the agents were used to

a special type of ink which vanished shortly after being exposed to the air. Through its agency, all messages

were automatically destroyed. Any that fell into wrong hands would be gone before they could be deciphered.

A low laugh sounded from the gloom. The Shadow was considering the message from his agent. Harry

Vincent had done well in Southwark. Yet his findings had produced a problem which even The Shadow had

THE SHADOW, in his trip to Grand Rapids, had struck a powerful blow against a band of raiders supposedly

led by Graham Wellerton. The Shadow knew that the leader and a few men with him had managed to

Summoned back to New York by important errands there, The Shadow had been awaiting developments,

knowing that the missing crooks would bob up somewhere. Minor bank raids had come of evidence of their

The Shadow had ordered Harry Vincent to the territory, to glean preliminary information. Not long ago, The

Shadow had heard Graham Wellerton tell Carma that he would never go back to the town of Southwark. That

had been when Graham was on the crest of successful crime. Now, with circumstances altered, Graham might

deliberately have changed his former decision. Southwark, of all places, might best serve as a temporary

Here was the report from Harry Vincent. The Shadow's agent had discovered Graham Wellerton in

Southwark. But in his careful inquiry Harry was an ace when it came to getting information in strange

towns he had learned that Graham had arrived there the night before the Michigan bank raid had been

This was the reason for The Shadow's laugh. Weird mockery seemed to hover within that blackwalled room.

Ghoulish echoes persisted even after hidden lips had ceased their mirthful utterance.

The Shadow had corroborated a suspicion which had been lurking in his intuitive brain namely that

What was Graham Wellerton's purpose? How and why had the gentleman of crime parted from his men?

Hands reached across the table. Earphones came into view. A tiny bulb lighted, showing that The Shadow

had formed a connection. His weird voice spoke in a whisper. Across the wire came a quiet reply:

Burbank was The Shadow's hidden contact man the one who kept in touch with agents when they were at

work. He was always accessible by telephone, to relay messages through to The Shadow.

Burbank gave a brief reply. Cliff Marsland, The Shadow's agent who played the part of an underworld

mobsman, had gained no trace of Wolf Daggert. He had been unable to find any clew to a hideout where the

Another reply. Burbank had heard from Clyde Burke, the newspaper reporter on the New York Classic who

Burke had been deputed to keep track of Carma Wellerton. He learned that she was living under the name of

Communication ended with his contact agent, The Shadow performed a new action. His hands produced a

large map and spread it on the table. The fingers placed tiny pins upon towns marked there the places

PROMINENT on the map was the town of Southwark. The trail was closing near that point. This one town

would be a likely spot for another raid, if the robbers were still in that vicinity.

Was this of Graham Wellerton's making; or was the former leader free from crime with chance bringing his

Whatever the case might be, The Shadow could see a trail as plainly as if it had been marked on the map. A

hundred miles away from Grand Rapids, it formed a zigzag eastward. Southwark might well be in its path.

Defeated marauders, beating their course back toward New York, were trying to glean profits by minor

The pins were drawn away. The map was folded by the hands. The bluish light went out with a resounding

click. Through the pitchblack room came the sinister tones of a hollow laugh. Sneering tones of mirth broke

Back came the eerie mirth in ghostly echoes from the walls. Again and again the reverberations answered, as

though a goblin horde had cried to its master from the depths of unseen corridors.

When the last sibilant jeers had faded away, deep, heavy silence was allpervading. The sanctum was empty.

The Shadow had departed. The master of the night had left upon his errand to stamp out the last vestiges of

THAT same evening, Graham Wellerton was seated alone in the living room of Ralph Delkin's Southwark

home. The former gentleman of crime was now a gentleman of leisure. Sprawled in a large chair, his feet

stretched out on a comfortable stool, Graham Wellerton was reading a newspaper which he had selected from

During his sojourn at Ralph Delkin's home, Graham had not turned his hand to a single bit of work. He had

shown no inclination to do anything but loaf. Attired in new clothes which his benefactor had bought him,

wellfed with sumptuous fare, he was living at ease and showing a constant indifference toward those who

Reading the newspaper, Graham found passing interest in the account of a small and rather unprofitable bank

robbery which had been committed in a town not many miles from Southwark. Graham smiled. Wolf Daggert

Graham wondered if Wolf were afraid to return to New York. Probably, Graham decided. After cracking a

few more cribs, the skulking gang leader would probably head for a more profitable territory, but he would

Graham could figure the system that Wolf was using. With three men at his command, the leader was making

short, quick raids; then lying low, probably in some obscure section of the countryside. Graham wondered if,

This town would be a logical spot. The State bank, owned by Graham's uncle, Ezra Talboy, was a

profitmaking institution. The region surrounding Southwark was hilly and it possessed some isolated and

abandoned strips of farm land. Hiding out an art in which Wolf Daggert excelled would be easy

Graham pondered. Much though he disliked the thought, it seemed wise to remain in Southwark for some

Graham realized that his own status was none too good in his home town. While he lived quietly here at

Delkin's, he was free from suspicion; but should he make a sudden departure, others might wonder.

What irony it would be if he should go away just prior to a chance raid by Wolf Daggert and his men. He,

Graham Wellerton, might be suspected of criminal activity. Should Wolf Daggert be captured and

questioned, a mere mention of Graham's name would cause the yellow gang leader to squeal.

With a past to protect, Graham decided that it would be best to lie low and wait until Wolf Daggert had

departed from this district or until something had happened to the skulking gang leader who had already

Later, opportunity would arrive to leave. Graham had been looking forward to the time when he could safely

leave Southwark. Yet, as he considered the matter now, that day seemed strangely remote. Growling to

himself, Graham wondered if he were becoming soft if the thought of future crime might be actually

FLINGING the newspaper to the floor, Graham lighted a cigarette and stared upward at the ceiling.

Analyzing himself, he was forced to the realization that he was not a crook at heart. For the first time in many

months, necessity for crime was no longer existent, so far as Graham was concerned. The young man found

Why? Graham angrily asked himself the reason. What influence had prevailed, here in Southwark, to bring

Various reasons were possible. One by one, the young man rejected them. While Graham was in this state of

Graham stared moodily and gave no greeting as the girl sat down in a chair a short distance away. Despite the

sullenness in his gaze, Graham found himself admitting that Eunice was more than merely attractive. She was

The young man realized that he admired Eunice Delkin beyond all persons whom he had ever met before.

In his heart, Graham was in love with Eunice Delkin. At the same time, he realized that insurmountable

His past with its crime that was bad enough. Had his career been the only obstacle, Graham might have

seen a possibility toward future happiness. It would be possible, under proper circumstances, to make amends

for deeds of crime. Graham had no money; there was no way of establishing himself, except through taking

advantage of Ralph Delkin's friendship. Even that might lead to happiness; but a final barrier remained.

That marriage into which he had been tricked! It was the factor that made happiness impossible. Graham had

never thought of Carma as his wife. To him she was still Carma Urstead, a gangster's moll who had worked

As he studied Eunice Delkin, Graham Wellerton admired her frank, understanding countenance. He thought

of Carma Urstead, whose overpainted face always bore traces of a mean, selfish nature. If the past few years

Although Eunice Delkin did not know the thoughts that were passing in Graham's mind, she realized that

something was troubling the young man. She smiled sympathetically. Graham, to cover his thoughts,

"A great deal," rejoined Eunice. "I should like to see you happy to see you enjoying life here."

"Not much chance of that," retorted Graham. "I hate this town. Maybe you think I'm ungrateful toward you

and your father. Maybe he wonders why I won't take a job in his factory, even after he showed me the plant

"I think," declared Eunice gently, "that you have suffered greatly in the past. Your mind is overburdened by

misfortune. You need friendship; and it must be given patiently, with no thought of a response on your part.

"The longer that you resist the kindness which my father and I are seeking to show you, the longer will I, at

least, be patient with you. Life has treated you badly. It may take many months for old wounds to heal. I am

determined, however, that you will some day appreciate our friendship and come to remember it as the real

Graham Wellerton had no reply. One word of criticism might have brought an outburst; but he realized that it

was impossible to argue with one so fairminded as Eunice Delkin. The young man sat in silence. Feelings of

DURING this long pause, while Graham Wellerton was coming to stern realization of his past mistakes,

Ralph Delkin entered the living room. Eunice arose to greet her father. Delkin kissed his daughter; then spoke

"I can tell you later, darling," responded Delkin. "For the present" the man's tone was worried "I would

Ralph Delkin turned to Graham Wellerton. The young man was perplexed. He wondered if something had

occurred to give his protector an inkling of his past. Delkin's first words, however, dispelled that idea.

"I'm in trouble, Graham," declared Delkin. "Something very unforeseen has arisen. I have to talk to

Delkin did not note the sarcasm in the young man's tone. Pacing back and forth, the Southwark manufacturer

"Your uncle," he said to Graham, "is deliberately set to swindle me. Yet his means are fair within the law."

"You mean your father's case," nodded Delkin. "Graham, that's why I'm talking to you. Ezra Talboy swindled

your father. I have detested the man ever since. I have only done business with him under pressure. Now I

"I needed money not long ago. Fifty thousand dollars. I wanted it to keep my plant open to pay deserving

men and let them work during a poor business period. I wanted to avert unemployment in Southwark.

"Ezra Talboy loaned me the money for three months, with a promise of renewal for another ninety days. I

gave him the best security possible my plant and its equipment, valued at more than a quarter of a million.

"I exhausted nearly all of the fifty thousand. I saw my business through the difficult period. The plant is now

showing a slight profit. One month from now, it will be wiping out all deficits."

"That's it," admitted Delkin. "My notes are due within a few days, I dropped in to see Ezra Tallboy to

"That my entire plant passes into his control. I lose everything all for fifty thousand dollars."

Graham Wellerton leaned back in his chair and emitted a raucous laugh. Ralph Delkin stood in amazement as

"That's what comes from your folly, Delkin," jeered Graham. "You dealt with that old skinflint although it

was against good judgment. Why? To help out a lot of employees who should have been laid off. Your

workmen have been living along at your expense. Now you are going to pay the piper.

"Gratitude! Where is it? What does it amount to? You brought me here you insisted upon treating me well.

I took your favors; and I warned you that I did not want them that I would give you no return.

"If you expect advice from me, I have none to give. If you want sympathy or encouragement, those are

lacking also. You deserve what you are getting and it's coming from the chap that's most capable of giving

RALPH DELKIN was frantic. Graham Wellerton's jeers had a double effect; they made the manufacturer

angry and they also drove him to a state of pitiable hopelessness. Between these mingled emotions, Delkin

paced across the room and half staggered from the door. Graham could hear his footsteps pounding up the

Graham looked up to see Eunice Delkin standing beside him. The girl had entered the room silently. As her

"Business," sneered Graham. "Misplaced trust. He is going to lose everything, because he was bighearted

and believed what other people told him. I rubbed it in I told him he was a fool. How do you like that?

"None at all," replied Eunice patiently. "I am sorry for you, Graham. Sorrier for you than I am for father. He

and I can stand poverty. My only regret is that you will suffer also if we can give you a home no longer."

Quietly, the girl left the living room. Graham could hear her going upstairs to talk to her father. The young

man found himself recalling the sincere words that Eunice had uttered. He began to fume to curse himself

for his own meanness. Rising from his chair, Graham walked about the room. His eyes fell upon the

He had abandoned that profession. He realized now that he would never be a crook again. But with a

consummate desire to go straight came a willingness to once more participate in criminal activity.

Stealthily, Graham Wellerton donned hat and coat. He strolled out through the front door and stepped into

darkness. The chill wind of the night was invigorating. It gave him a new impetus.

Once again for the last time in his life, he decided Graham Wellerton would play the part of a gentleman

HEAVY winds were sweeping the deserted Southwark street as Graham Wellerton made stealthy progress

away from Ralph Delkin's home. Storm clouds had gathered overhead; these added to the blackness of the

During his stay at Delkin's, Graham had left the house only on rare occasions, but his few excursions had

been sufficient to refresh his memory regarding the streets of Southwark. Sidling through the night, Graham

reached a road which led him toward Ralph Delkin's factory; a short distance farther on, he took a lane to the

Through the black night loomed a ghostly mass of gray. Graham had reached the cliffs of an old quarry a

spot which he had long remembered. They had been blasting at the quarry during the past week. Graham felt

The young man drew forth a flashlight which he had picked up in Delkin's home. Using it discreetly, he

The box was fastened with a large padlock. Graham picked up two large stones. He let the padlock dangle

upon the piece of rock which he held in his left hand. He used the other stone to deliver a series of sharp

The padlock broke. Graham opened the box, played the flashlight within and removed a stick of dynamite

Closing the box, he retraced his steps. He turned this time toward Delkin's factory which lay farther down the

side road. Graham used his flashlight intermittently and soon arrived in the vicinity of the plant.

A few lights from factory windows enabled the stealthy man to approach with ease.

Graham had been here with Ralph Delkin. He had made mental notes of the place. He knew that a watchman

was on duty, but he did not expect to encounter the guardian. Delkin's plant turned out metal castings and it

offered no spoils of value for prowlers. The watchman's duties were no more than mere routine.

Graham forced a basement window and entered the lower portion of the factory. He found an unlocked

storeroom. He went in and turned on a light. The room was windowless. Moreover, it contained the very

The young man crumpled his dynamite into a small pail. He found some cakes of soap and began a mixture.

All the ingredients that he needed were here. The room contained all sorts of odd equipment, even to a pair of

Cautious at times, Graham paused to listen. He heard nothing of the watchman. Probably the man did not

intend to visit this obscure portion of the factory. Graham applied himself to the task before him. He was

When the job was done, Graham took his supply of explosive and left the storeroom. He made his way

through the window and started back along the road. He had fuses in his pocket he had obtained these from

WHISTLING winds and heavy clouds were broken by distant flashes and occasional rumbles. A

thunderstorm was approaching. It was not the season for such a disturbance, but that did not trouble Graham

A roar sounded from overhead. Graham paused to look up from the lonely road. An airplane was passing, its

lights low. Graham did not envy the pilot. He decided that the ship must be making for the airport on the

Graham thought no more of the airplane. He was too much concerned with his own problems. He was

moving carefully along the road, yet he was anxious to make good time. Preliminary raindrops came as a

Graham passed directly by Ralph Delkin's home. He noticed upstairs lights. He hid his soup behind a hedge

Whistling as he strolled about the hall, Graham knew that his absence had not been noticed. He was making

sure that he would be heard from above, so that Ralph and Eunice Delkin would believe that he had been in

A muffled thunder clap reminded Graham that it was time to proceed. He slipped from the door, regained his

hidden explosive and started along the street. He slipped out of sight behind a tree as a coupe turned a corner

Graham congratulated himself that he had not been observed. In that belief, he was wrong. Peering eyes had

noticed him; even as he watched the departing coupe, a strange, invisible figure dropped from the moving car

Graham kept on his way. He was nearing the business section of Southwark. He turned into a narrow side

Laying his soup aside, he drew forth tools that he had taken from the factory storeroom. He deliberately set to

The task proved amazingly simple. Graham chuckled. His uncle, the old miser, had been too cheap to install

burglarproof devices. Getting into the bank was almost as easy a task as breaking into Delkin's factory.

Graham clambered through the open window. The storm was breaking outside. People would be indoors.

This was the time for the job. Graham stared out into blackness; then hurried away from the window,

realizing that it would be unwise to show himself in case a flash of lightning might suddenly occur.

Such a flash did come a few moments later. Graham was not at the window to see it. Hence he did not

observe a chilling sight a spectral phenomenon that human eyes would have considered unbelievable.

In the sudden brilliance of a vivid flash, total darkness was transformed into day. In the midst of the street

scene remained one touch of blackness. A human form a spectral figure in inky cloak and hat was

Tall, sinister, and silent, this being stood like a visitor from another world. The Shadow, weird master of

darkness, had come to Southwark. Riding in a coupe piloted by Harry Vincent, the agent who had met him,

The Shadow had spied Graham Wellerton. The Shadow, wizard of gloom, was trailing the gentleman of

GRAHAM WELLERTON, within the bank, was not thinking of The Shadow. With his flashlight sending

intermittent flickers, he was choosing between the large vault and a small safe which stood in Ezra Talboy's

The young man began his task. He worked his explosive mixture about the safe in preparation for a blast. He

"Slam broth," chuckled Graham, using his favorite term for the explosive soup. "Wait until this wakes old

Graham arranged his fuse. He applied a match. He backed from the office, across the outer room and waited

The charge went off just as a terrific flare of lightning burst outside. The soup exploded with a roar amid a

tremendous thunder clap. The mighty outburst of the heavens outdid the explosion both in flash and sound.

A strange occurrence! But Graham Wellerton, as he faced the office, failed to see the most amazing phase of

Standing within ten feet of him was a tall personage in black a creature who might well have materialized

Graham fancied that the rumble of the elements had drowned the roar of his explosion. He was wrong. The

flash and its dull reverberation had been witnessed by another than himself The Shadow!

Graham had intended that the explosion be heard. He believed, with reason, that it had not. Nevertheless, the

Hurrying to the broken safe, Graham began to go through the papers, that he found there. His flashlight

glimmered upon three documents held together by a paper clip. He read them eagerly. There were notes, to

A chuckle of elation came from Graham's lips. So intent was Graham that he did not realize a presence which

had moved to a few feet behind him. He did not suspect that other eyes were staring over his shoulder; that

The Shadow faded like a living phantom as Graham Wellerton arose. Carrying only those stolen notes,

Graham hurried to the window and dropped out into the street. He headed back along the way that led to

The rain was slight; the storm seemed to be passing around the town of Southwark. Graham Wellerton, no

longer burdened with his soup, made quick progress by means of the occasional lightning flashes. Not once

Thus he did not see the phantom shape that followed in his wake, always maintaining an even distance behind

him. That figure duplicated all that Graham Wellerton did, as the young man reached the factory, went

Here The Shadow watched while Graham, his flashlight again in use, approached a small safe and fingered

the dial. Graham had seen Ralph Delkin unlock that safe. The manufacturer had made no effort to hide the

combination. The safe contained nothing more valuable than business accounts which Delkin kept here to

Graham Wellerton placed the three notes in the safe. He closed the door and locked it. The Shadow merged

Graham closed the basement window and made for the road. The Shadow softly raised the window, slipped

through and closed it behind him. He followed Graham along the lonely road until the young man reached

When Graham Wellerton disappeared into the house, The Shadow still lingered. From his hidden lips came a

sighing laugh, that blended with the whistling wind that still marked the presence of the passing storm.

THE SHADOW had come to Southwark to forestall crime. He had seen crime in the making. He had made

no effort to prevent it. For The Shadow had seen a purpose other than evil in Graham Wellerton's actions.

The keen brain of The Shadow had divined that the former crook had not been working for his own gain

Until The Shadow learned all the contributory factors to this case, The Shadow would restrain aggressive

action. One test remained. If Graham Wellerton had planned further robbery, the temptation of the broken

That was why The Shadow waited, watching silently from darkness. He was lingering to learn if Graham

WHEN Graham Wellerton had regained his accustomed seat in Ralph Delkin's living room, he felt a peculiar

sense of satisfaction. He realized that he was through with crime forever. Tonight's experience had been an

odd one. He had acted as a criminal, but he felt that he had served the cause of true justice.

Graham had not seen his uncle, Ezra Talboy. Yet he felt a great contempt for the man. So far as crookedness

was concerned, Ezra Talboy won the grand prize. The old man's dealings with Ralph Delkin had been

All crime seemed sordid to Graham, yet the young man was pleased that he had committed tonight's robbery,

He realized that he had not done it from a sense of gratitude to Ralph Delkin. He had performed the deed

because he admired the grand courage which Eunice Delkin had displayed in the face of approaching

Graham intended to turn in. He felt sure that his actions of tonight would never be traced. He knew that his

uncle would never dare accuse so fine a character as Ralph Delkin of entering a bank and robbing a safe to

take away notes that bore his name. Graham realized, however, that it would be wise for him to establish an

alibi through Delkin. Hence he was pleased when the manufacturer suddenly appeared in the living room.

Evidently Delkin, in his talk with Eunice, had gained some of the girl's courage, for the man showed no more

signs of nervousness. He spoke in a friendly tone to Graham and seemed to take it for granted that the young

"I'm going to stay up for a while," announced Delkin, in a cordial manner. "I'm going over my accounts, to

As he left the living room, Graham had a sudden thought. He realized that normally, the robbery of Ezra

Talboy's safe would have been discovered by this time. Roaring thunder, however, had drowned the sound of

the explosion. If the broken safe were not discovered until morning, people would not know at what time the

This would certainly have an effect upon any alibi. Graham saw but one way out. The storm, had abated. He

must go back to the bank, cause enough disturbance to arouse Ezra Talboy from his home adjoining the old

Graham saw an easy way to do this. He went upstairs to his room, opened the window and stepped out on the

roof of a low back porch. He dropped to the ground and circled to the front of the house.

THE setup seemed perfect. Graham thought of all possibilities as he hurried along the street. If there were

people at the bank, it would mean that the blown safe had been discovered. A quick return to Ralph Delkin's

If no one was in sight, it would be easy to alarm Ezra Talboy, then hurry back to Delkin's. Up by the porch

roof, then downstairs to chat with Delkin for a while. That would make a perfect alibi, for Ezra Talboy would

Absent from Delkin's sight for no longer than fifteen minutes, Graham could easily prove that he would not

have had time to enter a window and blow a safe. Graham chuckled thoughtfully. He was sure that he would

Once again, Graham Wellerton was followed. The Shadow, taking up the trail, was moving silently and

As Graham reached the side street that led by the bank, The Shadow paused. The street was silent and

deserted a reentry through the side window would be easy. Yet Graham Wellerton was not going in that

direction. He was heading through a space behind the bank toward the house which adjoined the building

A soft, whispered laugh came from The Shadow's lips. The blackgarbed phantom moved slowly on the trail.

Well did The Shadow divine Graham's purpose. He knew that the young man intended to give an alarm.

At the back door of Ezra Talboy's home, Graham Wellerton paused. This had once been his father's home.

Graham knew that there was an inside passage between the bank and the house. It was better, however, to

make some noise here than go back into the bank. Graham tried the knob of the door.

Cautiously, Graham crept forward. He heard the sound of growling voices. He saw light trickling from a door

that was ajar. Realizing that something must be wrong, Graham approached and drew the door open inch by

He peered into a little room its only window a small opening in a tiny court between the house and the bank

building. At the other side was the door that connected, by a passage, to the bank. The occupants of the room,

There were three men in the room. One was Ezra Talboy, sprawled in a great chair, attired in pajamas. The

"So you didn't like it when we began to work, huh?" one intruder was growling. "It ain't so nice, gettin' your

feet singed with matches? Well that ain't nothin' to what'll happen if you've given us the wrong combination

Graham Wellerton had recognized the men. The speaker was Garry, Wolf Daggert's pal. The other man was

Pete one of Graham's own men. As Graham stared, the door opened, and another man stepped into view.

"Say," greeted the newcomer, "the old mug has given us a phony steer. We can't get into the vault nohow."

Graham knew the speaker as another of his old underlings a fellow called "Greaser." These were the three

who had avoided The Shadow in Grand Rapids, along with Wolf Daggert. At this very minute, Wolf Daggert

must be in the bank building, working at the vault, trying a combination which had been forced, by torture,

"So you bluffed us, eh?" snarled Garry. "Tryin' to stall? Well, you'll pay for it!"

Before Ezra Talboy could utter a scream, Garry had clapped his big hand over the old man's mouth. Greaser

launched himself upon the old man's form to prevent a struggle. Pete, with calm indifference, lighted a match

and began to apply the flame to Talboy's toes. Graham could see his uncle writhe pitifully.

GRAHAM WELLERTON was unarmed. Nevertheless, he was a man of courage, and he knew the failings of

these fellows who had served under him and Wolf Daggert. There was no time to treat with them; the

With a furious leap, Graham sprang through the door and fell upon Pete, the nearest one to him. With a

Greaser leaped up and drew his gun; before he could level the weapon, Graham clipped him on the jaw and

sent him down in a heap. Garry, the last of the trio, sprang away from Ezra Talboy and jerked a gun into

This was a wise move. Garry was away before Graham could overwhelm him. With a quick dive, Graham

plucked up the revolver which Greaser had dropped in his fall and turned to meet Garry's attack.

The man fired first. His shot was wide. The bullet whipped through the edge of Graham's coat. Quickly,

Graham responded with a shot. Garry snarled as the bullet nicked his left shoulder.

Fiercely, Graham turned to meet Pete, who he knew was coming up. He fired one wide shot. Pete leveled his

revolver in return. Graham's second shot was wide; then came the burst of Pete's revolver.

Graham heard a scream behind him. Then he felt a stinging sensation in his own right shoulder. As he

staggered away, Graham half turned and saw Ezra Talboy kneeling on the floor in back of him. Intuitively,

His uncle had leaped up from the chair. Scurrying for safety, the old man had crossed in back of Graham just

as Pete had fired. The bullet, passing through Graham's arm, had ended its swift course by lodging in Ezra

Graham's right fingers were numb. The young man managed to clutch his slipping revolver with his left hand.

Pete was aiming for a second shot; Garry was leveling his revolver. Graham saw Greaser rising to his feet,

Then came a cannonlike roar from the door through which Graham had entered the room. With a snarl, Pete

collapsed. Graham, seeing Garry and Greaser turn their aim toward the door, also stared in that direction.

For an instant, he thought he detected the outline of a tall, human form. Then, as gangster revolvers barked,

fierce tongues of flame shot from the muzzles of automatics, and terrific reverberations seemed to shake the

Greaser and Garry tumbled to the floor. Graham fancied that he caught a whispered tone of mockery from the

door. He wondered who had been there the space was empty now. Still dazed, Graham turned to see

Greaser, wounded, aiming in his direction. Before the crippled gangster could control his wavering hand,

Staring at the forms that were lying on the floor, Graham had one new thought Wolf Daggert. Clutching his

revolver firmly in his left hand, Graham pushed his way through the passage to the bank. He found a light

switch and clicked it with the barrel of his revolver. The big banking room was illuminated instantly. Graham

He knew the answer. Wolf Daggert, cowardly as ever, had fled for safety when he heard the roar of guns. The

yellow gang leader had evidently dived through the broken window and made a quick escape, leaving his

Weakly, Graham moved back into the house. He came to the room where the bodies lay. He knew that some

rescuer had saved him from death but why had the stranger departed, leaving him alone?

Four men three crooks and Graham's uncle all seemed dead. Birds of a feather, thought Graham. He felt

singularly apart from all of them. Sickened from loss of blood, Graham stared at the forms on the floor. He

looked closely at Ezra Talboy's face. He saw his uncle's eyelids flicker. The old man was still alive!

GRAHAM felt no pity toward his uncle. Yet the new turn of mind which he had gained tonight had given

Graham a softer feeling toward life, had purged him of the brutality which had never been more than an

A telephone was in view. Graham dropped his revolver and lifted the receiver. He spoke as he heard an

"Call Sheriff Taussig," ordered Graham. "Tell him to come at once to Ezra Talboy's home. Call for a

The young man dropped the receiver. He sprawled into a chair and clutched his wounded arm. Then, as the

throbbing dulled, Graham stared toward his uncle. Ezra Talboy, with an effort, had propped himself against

the side of the great chair in which he had been tortured. He was surveying Graham with curious, steady

Coldly, Graham Wellerton stared in return. For the first time in many years, he was face to face with his

uncle, the man whom he detested most in all the world. The two were alone, in a room with three dead crooks

As they gazed with challenging eyes, neither Graham Wellerton nor Ezra Talboy knew that another presence

was close at hand; that The Shadow, the stern fighter who had eliminated their common enemies, was

As Ezra Talboy put the question to his nephew, Graham Wellerton was astonished to observe the old man's

recuperative powers. He knew that his uncle was severely wounded; nevertheless, Ezra Talboy seemed to

evidence no concern about himself. He was more interested in learning the identity of this stranger who had

Graham Wellerton eyed his uncle coldly. He could see the avaricious gleam upon the old man's face. He

could see the scheming expression which he had always remembered Ezra Talboy to possess. With a grim

"I thought so." Ezra Talboy chuckled weakly. "My nephew come back to play the part of a good Samaritan.

I suppose you feel that you have done a noble deed to rescue me from those who were torturing me."

"I have no thanks to offer. I had no use for your father, with his foolish pride that he called 'honor.' I have no

Graham Wellerton stared in amazement. Of all the despicable wretches he had ever known, Ezra Talboy was

the worst. But for his own wounded plight, Graham would have yielded to the impulse of throttling the old

"I give you no thanks," repeated Ezra Talboy. "I heard you were in town, and I was waiting for the time when

you would come to greet me. You have chosen an excellent opportunity. I suppose you were passing by,

wondering if it was too late to drop in and see your old uncle. You noticed that something was wrong, and

"Do you know what this means? You are an intruder like these dead men on the floor so far as the law is

concerned. You will be questioned when the sheriff arrives. I shall not say a word to save you."

As the old man chortled gleefully, Graham Wellerton stared in amazement. He had classed Ezra Talboy as a

blackhearted wretch; he did not believe such ingratitude was possible. He began to realize that his own

meanness toward Ralph Delkin must have been a hereditary weakness. Ezra Talboy's calloused attitude was

"I detest you," declared Ezra Talboy. "I detest you because you remind me of your father. His honor bah! I

ended that folly when I deprived him of all he possessed. He was always proud of his son, always

hypocritically sad because I had no children to be my heirs. He died penniless your father and now you

Ezra Talboy spat the final words, and his eyes glittered as he watched for their effect upon Graham

Wellerton. The nephew, however, had caught the evil spirit of his uncle's tone. With sudden inspiration,

"You old fossil!" ejaculated Graham contemptuously. "Do you think I came here to save your useless hide?

Do you think I have been living in Southwark in hopes of making friends with you? Do you think I threw

"You never were so wrong in all your life. Let me tell you a little about myself. I am a bank robber and a

capable one. These men who came here tonight were my underlings. They had doublecrossed me. Their

"I suspected that they would come to Southwark. I was waiting for them. I knew they would attack your

bank. I have been watching; and when they entered here tonight, I followed. You see the result. Three of the

"You and I are alike, Uncle Ezra. We both are crooks. You work legitimately; I by stealth. You speak of

revenge. What is your picayune grudge against me my father's son compared to the score I had to settle

"You do not know the joy of vengeance. Nor do you know the joy of evil. You compared me with my father;

the comparison is false. The qualities that I have inherited are yours and I have done more with them in a

"I am no hero. I am a crook. I could kill you now; but I do not intend to do so. I am quite capable of handling

any situation which may arise. When the sheriff arrives, I can convince him that I came here purely by

The sarcasm of Graham's statement had its effect. By taking a negative treatment of everything that the old

man had said, Graham had gained Ezra Talboy's admiration. Graham's story, true enough to be convincing,

At last, the old man's feelings became apparent. Vainly trying to arise from his resting place, Ezra Talboy

extended his hand. He had recognized in his nephew a man as crooked as himself. Never in his life had Ezra

Talboy paid tribute to anyone who was good of nature. His own soul was evil. He appreciated viciousness.

"So" a coughing spell interrupted Ezra Talboy's statement "so you take after your uncle. Good good

The tones ended in a hoarse chuckle. Again, Ezra Talboy coughed. His eyelids closed. Graham Wellerton,

contempt showing on his face, knew that he had tricked the man he hated. He had found Ezra Talboy's

All the while, burning eyes were studying this strange scene. Graham Wellerton did not see the observer who

lurked beyond the door. His own gaze was upon Ezra Talboy's huddled form. The watching optics

To Graham Wellerton, that vague noise signified the arrival of the law. Calmly, despite his aching wound,

Graham waited, with real confidence that all would go well. He was sure that his words had had effect. Soon

Two long minutes passed. Footsteps were stamping in the hallway. Three men burst into the room. With

Sheriff Ellis Taussig at their head, the summoned rescuers stopped in awe as they observed two men living

Ezra Talboy opened his eyes. Before his uncle could speak, Graham Wellerton boldly forced the issue. Half

"I came to see my uncle," he asserted. "He was being tortured by these men. I saved him. This is the result."

Ezra Talboy, evil admiration glowing in his eyes, spoke the words that Graham had hoped to hear.

"What my nephew says" a cough came from Talboy's bloodflecked lips "is true. He he came here at

an opportune moment. He he saved me from torture and saved my life for the present.

"Whatever he may tell you is correct. He worked to help me. He and I are in accord. We" the old man's lips

formed a strange smile "were having a family reunion. A reunion after many years many years "

More men were coming into the room. One, evidently a physician, was leaning over Ezra Talboy's form. He

snapped quick orders. Two others picked up the old man and carried him from the room. Graham knew that

"Look after this fellow," said Sheriff Taussig in a kindly tone, as he indicated Graham. "He looks done up."

Graham smiled weakly as the doctor began to examine his wounded arm. It was not the fact that aid had

come which caused his smile. It was the knowledge that a frank admission of his past, with no confession of

He was to be the hero, after all. Ezra Talboy would never tell the facts which Graham had admitted. The old

man had explained the whole affair. He had called it a family reunion, in which his nephew had saved him

Yet through Graham's brain throbbed a new thought an idea which related to matters unexplained. Graham,

alone, knew that he was not the one who had effected this rescue. Some unknown hand had brought about

Who had fired those shots from the doorway? Graham did not know. The possibility of The Shadow being

here did not once occur to him. Graham knew only that some weird and hidden presence had intervened

that without its help, this odd reunion between himself and his uncle would never have been completed!

THREE days had elapsed since the affray at Ezra Talboy's home. Graham Wellerton, recuperated from his

wound, was seated in Ralph Delkin's living room. The young man was alone, idly passing the early afternoon

Eunice Delkin entered. The girl's eyes were sympathetic, as they turned toward Graham. The young man

"It is too bad, Graham," she said. "Too bad to think that after your brave effort, your uncle died. We feared

that he would not recover, but no one expected that he would pass away last night. Father hesitated to break

the news to you this morning that was why he did not tell you until he was leaving for the factory "

"Don't worry about me," interrupted Graham. "I am not sorry because my uncle died. There was no good will

"But your uncle said that you had saved him!" exclaimed the girl. "It seemed so wonderful to think that you

"You are mistaken, Eunice," declared Graham cryptically. "I had a different purpose in visiting my uncle's

As Graham arose, Eunice stared in bewilderment. This decision was an unexpected one. The girl seemed

wistful. She placed a restraining hand upon Graham's arm, and urged the young man to remain.

"You can't leave here now!" Eunice exclaimed. "You have found yourself, Graham! You have been so

"I did not intend to leave Southwark," interposed Graham, "until my uncle died as I expected he would.

"Nothing?" questioned Eunice sadly. "I thought we thought, father and I, that you would learn to like us, to

appreciate the friendship and the hospitality that we offered. You are free to leave here, Graham, but there is

"There is every reason why I should leave," responded Graham. "I have been a cad. I came to the realization

that I was wrong. I have tried to make amends to reward you and your father for the kindness that you have

"Not now, Eunice. I have only one more favor to ask one that I believe your father will grant. That is

Graham Wellerton shook his head. A heavy feeling gripped his heart. He was sick of crime through with it

forever, and it hurt him to realize that the only way he could have found to reward Eunice and her father had

RALPH DELKIN had not yet found the notes which Graham had placed in his safe. Graham had done that

job with elation; he had since experienced the reaction. For the first time in his career of lawlessness, he had

thought of other persons while committing a deed of crime. The paradox the belief that the end justified the

He had recalled all his previous crimes actions impelled by thought of selfish gain. He realized that Eunice

Delkin was so far above him that comparisons were futile. The thought that he had stooped to crime to insure

this girl's happiness made him feel that he was a creature unworthy even of contempt.

What would Eunice think if she knew him to be a crook? All Graham's usual indifference faded at the

thought. He wanted to leave Southwark before this beautiful girl would know that he had dealt in crime.

Let Ralph Delkin find the notes; the manufacturer would understand. He would destroy those paper

Graham Wellerton walked toward the door. He was going upstairs to pack some luggage. Then to the factory,

to borrow money from Delkin, and after that a departure to begin a new and honest career.

It grieved Graham to realize that he was forced to leave behind him the one person who had ever shown

understanding. Graham liked Ralph Delkin, but he knew in his heart that the manufacturer had tolerated his

The girl was not willing to see Graham depart without further discussion. Eunice stopped the young man at

the door, and quietly demanded a reconsideration of his decision. This increased Graham's misery; it did not,

however, change his notion. Firmly, Graham repeated that he was leaving Southwark.

The front door opened while Graham was still insisting that nothing could change his mind. Ralph Delkin

appeared. At sight of her father, Eunice decided that she had found an ally. She turned to Delkin and blurted

"Graham wants to leave, father!" exclaimed the girl. "He says that he can no longer remain in Southwark. He

"I know the reason," returned Delkin calmly. "Graham I should like to talk with you for a few minutes in

GRAHAM turned from the steps. He knew that Delkin had discovered the notes in his safe. Eunice followed

the two men into the living room. Ralph Delkin turned to bid his daughter to leave. Graham Wellerton shook

"Let Eunice remain," he asserted. "She may as well know the truth now that you have learned it."

Ralph Delkin nodded. He was serious as he noted the resignation in Graham's tone. Reluctantly, the

manufacturer drew the clipped papers from his pocket and held them out for Graham to see.

"I broke into my uncle's bank," declared Graham. "I blew open his safe. I found the notes and took them. I

"I thought that the burglars blew the safe," said Delkin in a puzzled tone. "That was Sheriff Taussig's decision

a most logical one. The sheriff said that they must have lacked sufficient explosive to blow the vault. How

"I went there early in the evening," explained Graham, in a dull tone. "I came back afterward to see if an

He nodded as he looked at the notes in his hand. He seemed at a loss. At last, he spoke in a sincere tone.

"You did wrong, Graham," he said. "Nevertheless, your motive was excusable. Still, these notes do not

belong to me. If your uncle were still alive, I would be forced to return them to him. Now that he is dead, I

"I thought so," returned Graham. "That is why I decided that I would leave town one reason why, at least. I

knew that you would not want to incriminate me so I felt that it would be best to leave you free to act as

Regretful in tone, Graham unconsciously turned toward Eunice. The girl approached and laid her hand upon

"Graham," she said, "you did wrong. Father and I could not accept a favor of this sort. But we can find a way

to arrange matters without your leaving Southwark. No one will know of this but father and myself. We shall

The girl's gentle persuasion was almost irresistible. Graham Wellerton felt the mad desire to say nothing

more to accept these terms without a comment. Then came a wave of remorse; the knowledge that Eunice

knew nothing of his past. What right had he, a despicable crook, to further prey upon the sincere friendship of

There was only one way out a complete confession. With surging thoughts, Graham Wellerton broke forth

"I'LL tell you why I'm leaving Southwark," he declared bitterly. "I'm leaving because I'm a crook. I've been a

bank robber. Those men who were torturing my uncle were once members of my mob. I belong in prison

"I'm not going to jail. That would be futile. Nor am I staying here; that would be unfair. There are only two

people living who could prove my past guilt" Graham's face hardened as he thought of Wolf Daggert and

"That's why I'm leaving here, so that I can try to live right. But I'd never impose upon such fine people as

you. I know you think I'm scum" Graham was observing the expression of disapproval on Ralph Delkin's

face "and that's why I'm glad I've told you everything. I don't deserve your friendship. That's all."

Graham could see that his words had had full effect upon Delkin. The honest manufacturer had drawn away,

apparently alarmed by Graham's presence. If that was the way Delkin felt, Graham decided, how much more

disdainful would Eunice be! With that thought, Graham turned toward the girl. He stood dumfounded, as he

Eunice was pale, but her face had lost none of its kindliness. With a forgiving smile, the girl looked directly

"The past does not matter, Graham," she said. "This is the present and the future lies ahead. You are honest.

You have told the truth. You desire to live a straightforward life; begin it here, in Southwark, with friends

His daughter's confidence caused Ralph Delkin to change his attitude. He seemed to lose his temporary

aloofness. Although he did not speak, Delkin nodded, to show that he would second his daughter's invitation.

"I appreciate this, Eunice," gulped Graham. "I'll never forget this friendship. But I had better go away on

Ralph Delkin pulled a roll of bills from his pocket and proffered the cash. Eunice began an objection as

"Graham must not leave us, father!" she exclaimed. "It is not right he needs us more now than ever."

Ralph Delkin found himself in the position of mediator. Abashed at his own lack of confidence, the

manufacturer was ready to add his pleas to those of his daughter. Graham, his heart burning, broke forth in a

"There are people who know what I have done," he asserted. "Two people one a crook the other a woman

my wife. Yes my wife. She is living in New York, under her maiden name, Carma Urstead. She will

A gleam of understanding flashed in Eunice Delkin's eyes. The girl's intuition prompted her to put a pointed

"This woman who has caused you trouble," queried Eunice. "Was she the person who forced you into

GRAHAM did not reply. Looking at his face, however, Eunice knew that she had struck the truth. Graham

saw that further words would only prompt Eunice to again urge her father to make Graham stay in

"You can understand," said Graham. "You see why I must leave. All I ask is that my confidence be kept."

Swinging, Graham walked past Eunice, The girl turned to call to him. Her father stopped her. Graham hurried

upstairs and packed. When he came down, he found Eunice, pale and worried, standing beside her father.

"I shall drive you to the station," declared Delkin. "Eunice has consented to your departure."

Graham could see that the girl had been reluctant. Only her confidence in her father's judgment could

As Graham walked toward the door, Eunice extended her hand. As Graham received it, he could see true

Eunice was standing at the door when Graham looked back from the departing car. Graham Wellerton caught

one last glance, and his heart filled with admiration for the wonderful spirit of the girl who had been his true

Graham did not speak to Delkin as they rode along. There was nothing to be said. The pair arrived at the

station. Graham alighted and took his bag. Silently he extended his hand in farewell. He noticed that Ralph

Coming from a car which had swung up to the station was Sheriff Ellis Taussig. The official was making

directly for Graham Wellerton. Taussig's gruff voice blurted forth before Graham could speak.

"Not yet," chuckled Taussig. "You're coming up to Harwin Dowser's office, along with me."

"You'll find out," responded the sheriff. "Say, Delkin have you got time to drive us up there? You're a

Graham saw Ralph Delkin nod. At the sheriff's urge, Graham entered the car. As they rode along the street,

he wondered what had happened. Had Wolf Daggert been caught? Had the yellow gangster lingered long

Graham worried; then, with calm indifference, he waited the outcome of this unexpected event which had

HARWIN DOWSER'S office was located in a building near the Southwark courthouse. As Graham

Wellerton and his companions climbed the stairs to the lawyer's headquarters, the reformed crook felt more

Of all the men whom he had met in Southwark, Dowser had impressed Graham as the most sanguine. The

lawyer, a political figure in this county, possessed unusual qualifications. Where Ezra Talboy had

accumulated wealth by usurious practices, where Ralph Delkin had gained much by straightforward business

dealings, Harwin Dowser had reached a state of importance by practically monopolizing legal affairs in this

The adviser of every person of prominence, a man whose influence had direct effect even upon old Justice

Schuble's decisions, Dowser was one whose friendship could be powerful, and whose enmity could be a

tremendous obstacle. Even now, it seemed as though Sheriff Taussig was no more than Dowser's errand boy.

In fact, the sheriff's presence and behavior were most unusual. If the man had come to arrest Graham, why

had he not done so? If nothing but a private conference between Graham and Dowser was the matter at stake,

Considering these questions, Graham entered the office and found himself face to face with Harwin Dowser.

The elderly lawyer, sharpfeatured and keeneyed, arose to receive the young man with an air of gravity.

Solemn as a British barrister, Dowser waved Graham and the other visitors to chairs.

"Graham Wellerton," announced the attorney, "you are the nephew of Ezra Talboy, deceased. As legal

representative for your late uncle, I have important matters to discuss with you. The presence of these other

witnesses is not material. My words will be brief, and there is no reason why others should not hear them."

GRAHAM sensed at once that Ezra Talboy, before he died, must have held a conference with Harwin

Dowser. He realized that the lawyer was about to make a revelation. The presence of the sheriff became

If Dowser intended to brand Graham Wellerton as a crook, Ellis Taussig, the bluff representative of the

"Ezra Talboy," announced Dowser, "was a peculiar man. I state that as a simple fact. His will, which he made

many years ago, was a most unusual document, in that it made no provisions for any person who bore a

Graham Wellerton smiled sourly. This reference gave a plain analysis of his uncle's mean and avaricious

tendencies. Graham could picture Ezra Talboy, alive in the past, worrying over the disposal of his illgotten

"Before his death," continued Dowser, "Ezra Talboy called for me. At his request, I brought his will. At his

order, I destroyed the document. In its place, I prepared a new and simple will which states all of Ezra

"Ezra Talboy's entire estate, freed from any other provisions, is left to his nephew, Graham Wellerton. Young

man" Dowser extended his hand "I congratulate you as the recipient of a fortune which may be

Graham Wellerton was staggered. This unexpected turn came to him with the suddenness of a blow. He

stared at the other men in the room, observed the solemnity of their faces, and wondered if he were in a

How had Ezra Talboy accumulated that sum? There was but one answer. The old skinflint had wrenched his

wealth from suffering men. Among those millions was Graham Wellerton's own patrimony money that

should have come to him from his father but with it were other sums that rightfully belonged to other

persons. Forgotten men, who could never now be located, were the real owners of those usurped millions!

Graham looked toward Ralph Delkin. He caught a cold expression upon the manufacturer's face. He knew

what Delkin was thinking. Had Ezra Talboy had his way, Delkin's factory would be part of those illgotten

assets. Graham realized that in his own pocket he had money that he owed to Delkin. He recalled the

discussion at Delkin's home, when he, Graham Wellerton, had announced his intention of going straight.

Would it be straight to take these millions? No. He had branded his own uncle as a crook worse than himself.

A man who took money gained by evil measures was lower than a thief. As Graham looked at Ralph Delkin,

What would she think of this turn in Graham's fortunes? Graham knew. He realized that if he profited by his

Then came a flare of hatred a survival of the past. Graham understood why his uncle had left him this

money. It was not through gratitude for Graham's attempt to save his life. It was because Ezra Talboy had

With Ezra Talboy, possession of wealth had been an outlet for evil. Dying, the old man had gained a wicked

joy to know that he could place his entire fortunes in the hands of a nephew whom he considered as evil as

That burning thought, together with Graham's regard for Eunice Delkin, caused the young man to make an

"Ten million dollars," pondered Graham aloud. "A great deal of money, gentlemen. The amount, however, is

quite immaterial. My uncle had the privilege of leaving his money to me. I, in turn, have the privilege of

refusing it. Since he bequeathed it without proviso, I shall reject it in the same spirit."

GASPS of amazement came from the other men. Even Ralph Delkin seemed astonished. Graham Wellerton

"I thank you for your trouble, sheriff," he said. "Unfortunately, you have caused me to miss my train. That

"One moment, Wellerton," insisted Harwin Dowser sharply, as Graham was turning toward the door. "Are

"Because," declared Dowser, "this plan if you go through with it will cause many complications. As

The abruptness of the question startled Graham. He was on the point of giving an affirmative reply; then, as

"Suppose I did happen to be married," he said thoughtfully. "Would my wife have the right to a share in my

"She would have cause for objection," stated Dowser, "if you refused the bequest. Moreover, if the money

should be held in trust, or administered in your behalf, she would be entitled to a share, at least, in the event

"Hmmm," responded Wellerton. "Marriage is an odd thing, isn't it? I've often considered matrimony. It's a

problem. You see, gentlemen" he paused to look at Delkin and Taussig "the thought of possessing great

Graham smiled as he made this subtle reference to his homecoming in the town of Southwark.

"However," added Graham, "the problem of marriage brings me to a dilemma. What would you do"

Graham was looking directly at Delkin as he spoke "if you were in my circumstances?"

THE question was an excellent one, in consideration of the facts which Delkin knew about Graham, as told

today. Indeed, Graham's mention of Carma had placed Delkin in full knowledge of the most important fact.

It was Delkin's decision alone that decided Graham. The manufacturer would tell the entire story to his

daughter, Graham felt sure. Eunice would know how Graham had deliberately refused to accept tainted

millions; then had changed his decision due to circumstances which involved the woman who had forced him

into crime. Moreover, Delkin would mention that Graham had left the question up to him.

Graham Wellerton turned to Harwin Dowser and stared squarely into the old lawyer's shrewd face. Graham's

mind was thinking quickly. The young man realized that, with wealth, he could do good to balance the evil

Graham Wellerton sat down and lighted a cigarette. He realized that great work lay ahead. Simultaneously, he

could undo Ezra Talboy's evil work by turning misgained millions into funds spent for philanthropic

With the same joy, Graham knew that be could frustrate Carma's claims for wealth. The woman did not know

he was in Southwark. By the time she had located him if that time should ever come the wealth could be

THUS did Graham Wellerton begin his new career. Instead of becoming a wanderer, he had gained

tremendous wealth. Only two persons of the past could block him. One, Wolf Daggert, was a fugitive; the

There were two others who knew the truth regarding Graham Wellerton. The young man thought of them as

he sat alone with Harwin Dowser. Those two were Ralph Delkin and his daughter Eunice. They would never

Strange that Graham Wellerton forgot one other! Oddly, his mind failed to consider The Shadow. Dazed by

thoughts of wealth, Graham's brain no longer dwelt upon the unseen stranger who had saved his life the night

Potentially, Graham Wellerton was a crook with millions at his disposal. Although he planned to use his

wealth for good, it might reasonably be judged that he would spend the hoarded coin for evil by any who

The Shadow knew Graham Wellerton's past. The master of darkness had seen the young man's present, here

in Southwark. The Shadow, bound on other errands, had left this vicinity, but his agent, Harry Vincent, still

An amazing future lay ahead of Graham Wellerton a career now on the balance point, ready to swing

toward evil or good as Graham himself might decide. That fact would not escape the watchfulness of The

For The Shadow, master of justice, was one who remained ever vigilant. His hand was one that aided those

who strove for right; his same hand was one that struck down all who favored evil.

Well would it be for Graham Wellerton if he persisted in his determination to devote another's misgained

THE next month proved an amazing one to the town of Southwark. First came the announcement of Ezra

Talboy's great wealth a sum that far exceeded the most extravagant beliefs of those who had tried to

estimate the size of the old miser's hoard. Coupled with that was the remarkable news that Graham Wellerton

These facts were the beginning of a new era. Even while the estate was still undergoing settlement, Graham

Wellerton launched forth a campaign that was bewildering because of its Utopian qualities.

Every worthy representative of charity that called upon Southwark's new multimillionaire was granted a

reception that was more than welcome. Every local institution found itself the recipient of a handsome gift,

More than that, the affairs of the Southwark State Bank took a strange turn. Extensions were granted to those

who had received loans. Farmers whose mortgages would have been foreclosed were accorded fair treatment.

In all his business dealings, Graham Wellerton showed a fairness that surpassed all belief.

Human beings are difficult creatures to convince. Hence Graham's open methods brought a curious medley of

reactions. To many citizens of Southwark and the surrounding territory, Graham Wellerton was regarded as

an idol. This was particularly true of those who had dealings direct or indirect with the man himself.

There were some who openly expressed the sentiment that Graham Wellerton was a fool. This group included

those who were cautious and accumulative by nature, particularly those who profited least by Graham

Finally, there was a shrewd class which looked for a game behind it all sophisticated individuals who saw

in Graham's prodigal philanthropy the making of a scheme which would some day have a startling

Among those who admired Graham Wellerton was Sheriff Ellis Taussig. One who regarded the young man as

a fool was old Justice Schuble. An individual in the group who looked for the catch was Harwin Dowser.

None of these three expressed their thoughts. Taussig, hardboiled and taciturn, showed his admiration by

listening to the praises voiced by others. Schuble, solemn in his position as justice of the peace, said nothing.

As weeks went by, however, Graham noticed the effect which his actions were having upon Dowser. The old

lawyer had become a wise owl. Often Graham wondered what was passing in the attorney's brain. He did not

care, for he felt sure that Dowser, a man who handled the affairs of every class of society, was keeping all his

GRAHAM saw but little of Ralph Delkin. He met the manufacturer once, in a business way. Delkin appeared

at the bank, bringing the three hated notes. Graham told him to tear them up. Delkin refused. He did,

Graham granted it on his own terms. He told Delkin that if he would not destroy the notes, he could keep

them. Delkin promised to do this for a term of three months. Graham let it go at that.

However, the young man kept a careful watch on Delkin's business transactions and saw that the

manufacturer was having trouble. The prosperous era for which Delkin had hoped had been delayed. Graham

fancied that there would be another request for an extension at the end of the ninety days. In fact, he would

Several times, Graham was on the point of offering money to the manufacturer. On each occasion he

desisted. He feared that he might injure Delkin's pride should he broach the subject of his own accord.

It was partly the thought of Delkin that made Graham use discretion in his philanthropic transactions. He did

not wish to exhaust his funds; there might be a future time when he could put money to emergency use.

Moreover, Graham had reserved a large amount for a specific purpose to restore to certain banks the funds

This, of course, Graham intended to do by proxy. In summing up the total of his depredations, Graham found

that they amounted to no more than a quarter of a million dollars. Cash gained at the points of guns had often

Graham was also conscious of the impressions which he was creating. Those people who believed him

foolish and those who suspected him of hidden purposes were ones whom he intended to spike. This caused

His most wary policy, however, was that of keeping all his dealings within a limited territory. Southwark was

far from New York. Graham was not anxious to have reports of his wealth reach Carma Urstead, who he

knew was there, nor Wolf Daggert, who might, by this time, be back in Manhattan.

GRAHAM was living in his uncle's old home. Among the friends whom he had made in Southwark was a

young man named Harry Vincent. This chap was interested in realestate development. He had but recently

settled down in Southwark. A native of Michigan, Vincent had, however, spent much time in New York. He

Despite his wealth, despite his willingness to make amends for his past, Graham Wellerton felt that a great

barrier lay between himself and Eunice Delkin. He met the girl occasionally on the street and always paused

to chat with her for a few minutes. Both, however, tactfully avoided all mention of the past.

It was bitter to be living here in Southwark and yet be forced, in justice, to avoid a girl whom he admired so

greatly as he did Eunice Delkin. That was Graham Wellerton's one sorrow. Time and again, he felt a surge of

resentment toward Carma Urstead, the adventuress who had tricked him into marriage. Graham felt that he

could wipe out his criminal past; but he could never be free to seek a woman's love while Carma still

In the periods of righteous exuberance which dominated his new life, Graham was so taken up with many

affairs that he had little time to study individuals. In the midst of his mad whirl of monetary restitution, he

could think only of new ways to help the community. Hence his career became a matter of easy routine, with

The end of the first month found Graham Wellerton completely oblivious to any thoughts of hostility on the

part of other persons. His only worry concerned Ralph Delkin. Graham knew that adversity could produce

strange changes in individuals; and with his knowledge that Delkin's affairs were troublous, Graham tried in

vain to think of some way that he might approach the manufacturer with an offer of financial aid.

Hence when trouble did strike, it came with the effect of a bombshell. In one brief episode, Graham

Wellerton found himself in a terrible situation which he had lulled himself into believing would be

IT happened on an evening when Graham was at home. Harry Vincent had dropped in for a chat. The two

young men were indulging in reminiscences; and both, by natural coincidence, were using discretion in their

Graham Wellerton, jocular and sophisticated, was taking great care not to mention anything that would give

Harry Vincent, pleasant and frank in manner, was carefully avoiding any statement that might reveal him as

"Sit still, Vincent," urged Graham. "Probably someone to see me for only a few minutes."

"Think I'll be running along," responded Harry, donning his hat and coat to accompany his host to the door.

No one was in sight as Graham opened the door. Harry stepped out upon the porch. Graham saw him tip his

hat as a figure moved in from the side. Harry kept on; Graham stepped back as a woman entered.

Had Graham Wellerton looked beyond this visitor, he would have seen Harry Vincent step to the side of the

path and wait. But Graham had no thought of what might be happening outside. Harry Vincent had passed

completely from his mind. Totally dazed, Graham was closing the door and was staring in consternation at

All the misery of the past seemed suddenly hoisted upon Graham Wellerton's shoulders.

To Graham Wellerton's dazed eyes, Carma's painted face was a sneering mask. The young man stood

stockstill as the woman strolled past him, entered the living room and settled herself in a comfortable chair.

"Not glad to see your longlost wife, eh?" the woman jeered. "Thought you'd doublecrossed me, big boy?"

"When it comes to doublecrossing," returned Graham huskily, "you are the real artist."

Carma took the words as a compliment. She tilted back her head and laughed. She lighted a cigarette, then

"Spending it pretty free, I hear," was Carma's remark. "Doing nice things around this place. Gone

"Well" Carma's tone became scoffing "you can spend it the way you want provided I get my share. I'm

"Fiftyfifty," Carma kept talking. "That's on the original amount. Get the idea, big boy?"

"They are," agreed Carma. "That's not all gravy by a long shot. I'm not the only one who is coming in for a

"That this may be a hick town, but there's people here who know their onions. Get that? Flatter yourself, old

bean you fooled me right enough. I'd never have looked for you here, but someone sent for me."

"Someone in Southwark," sneered Carma. "Laugh that off. A smalltown bozo with bigtown ideas."

"You mean someone who learned that I was crooked? How could anyone here have landed that fact?"

"I'm not telling all I know," Carma laughed. "You muffed things a bit that's all around the time your uncle

took the bump. Thought you had good friends in this burg people who wouldn't get envious when they saw

"Well, someone got ideas and I'm not telling you how or why. The finish of the big idea was to bring me

here. Little Carma has a way of getting dough so far as you're concerned. You've heard my terms. I want

"Pretty quick," taunted Carma. "You'd, better start thinking about it pronto. Fix it up tomorrow. Then you can

go down to see your lawyer the day after. I'm staying at the Southwark House. Carma Urstead is my name

"Yes. Settle the way you'll divide. When I show up, give me the figures. If it's on the level, we'll make a legal

settlement the next day. You and I and the lawyer. If you don't come through, I'll cook you."

Carma rose defiantly. She strode toward the door of the room. Graham followed her. At the front door, he put

"Who told you I was here in Southwark?" demanded Graham. "Who looked you up in New York?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" returned the woman. "You've got a noodle. Use it. The more you think, the

more you'll know it's pay up. It won't do you any good to argue with the man who brought me here. He has

Carma turned and opened the door. As she walked defiantly from the porch, Graham Wellerton slammed the

door. He paced back and forth, fuming. Malice dominated his thoughts. All his past resentment toward the

As he pondered over Carma's words, Graham became enraged. He noted that it was not quite eleven o'clock.

Seizing his hat and coat, he stormed from the front door, rounded the bank building and strode in the

In his fury, Graham, did not notice a coupe parked near his house. The car rolled silently along the street after

Graham had disappeared from view. When the young man neared Delkin's home, the car was on that street,

Lights were showing in Delkin's livingroom windows. Graham rapped at the door. Eunice opened it. Staring

Without a word to Eunice, the young man strode forward to encounter the manufacturer. Delkin arose from

"The matter!" Graham looked at Delkin, then at Eunice, who had entered the room. "I've been

There was a peevishness in Delkin's tone. The man seemed worried and Graham took it as a sign of guilt. In

"My wife is in town," he asserted. "She has come here to demand money. She told me how she discovered

"Someone who has learned about my past," declared Graham. "Someone who has seen a way to make me pay

"For me, yes," sneered Graham. "But not for the man who is to profit by his treachery. Someone has squealed

and there's only one man in Southwark who knows the facts about me only one to whom I have revealed

"No," scoffed Graham. "You are accusing yourself. I was right when I was crooked. I trusted no one then. I

refused your friendship because I suspected everyone who ever pretended to be my friend. You're no worse

than a lot of others, Delkin, but you're no better. Carma put me wise without realizing it. You're the one who

"Get out of my house!" ordered Delkin indignantly. "Get out, before I call the police!"

"Graham!" It was Eunice who interrupted. "You know well that my father would not betray you. You must

Graham paid no attention to the girl's words. Face to face with Ralph Delkin, he poured out his contempt of

"I told you to destroy those notes," declared Graham. "You refused. Why? I'll tell you. Because they were

made out to my uncle; because they bore dates that will stand as proof of the robbery I committed. Where are

"You will not get them by demand," returned Delkin. "Wait until you have come to your senses. This is

"So you're keeping them, eh?" jeered Graham. "Well go ahead. They don't matter. Carma is your trump

card. She's here to make me pay. I know your financial situation, Delkin. I've been ready to offer you aid

"Instead of coming to me fairly, you turned crook yourself. Thought you could lie under cover and pick up a

lot of easy cash. Didn't trust me, because I told you that I'd been a crook. Well, the damage is done. I hope

you're satisfied. I warn you, though, that I'm going to fight this game to the end."

TURNING, Graham thrust himself past Eunice and reached the door. He swung to deliver a last tirade before

departing. His face bore the sordid venom that had characterized it during his career of crime. The words that

"I warned you when you first offered me your friendship," Graham reminded. "I warned you that you would

be sorry both of you. I softened; but I'm toughened again. I'm warning you now to look out!

"You'll hear from me, Ralph Delkin and you'll never forget the revenge that will be mine. You've joined in

a blackmail plot, and if I don't come through, you'll tell the world that I was mixed in crime."

"You won't have to tell the world" Graham's tone was bitter "because I'll attend to that myself. You'll

As Graham glowered, Eunice Delkin stepped forward. She advanced straight to the young man and looked

steadily into his eyes. Graham stared coldly. He expected to see antagonism in Eunice's glance; instead, he

"Graham," said Eunice quietly, "you cannot mean these things that you have said. You know that there is no

Graham Wellerton could not face this mild criticism. His tight fists loosened, his heart seemed to sink.

Bitterness began to fade. Graham knew that the girl was right. Yet the last vestiges of resentment came in a

final surge, and with that emotion, Graham Wellerton turned on his heel and stalked out into the night.

The tense scene was at an end. Graham Wellerton had capitulated, although he had managed not to show it.

Rebuked at heart, he turned his footsteps homeward, fighting hard to balance his regard for Eunice with his

resentment toward Ralph Delkin. In that effort, Graham was failing. Right feeling was triumphing over

RALPH DELKIN, standing in his living room, was pale and troubled when Eunice approached her father; the

"Graham Wellerton intends to do us harm," asserted Delkin. "I am worried, Eunice worried "

"There is nothing to worry about, father," interposed the girl quietly. "Graham will come to his senses.

Reason will tell him that you are his real friend that you would not betray him."

"Dowser is Graham's attorney," admitted Delkin. "Nevertheless, I know him well. His services can be mine

"It is not that, father," decided Eunice firmly. "Remember our promise to Graham; that we would tell no one

of his past. Graham has accused you of betraying him surely, you would not do so now, even though you

Ralph Delkin nodded thoughtfully. He slumped into a chair. His gaze seemed far away. Eunice wondered

"Promise me," said the girl, "that you will say nothing unless Graham makes some attempt to follow his

Delkin gave a slow nod. He was staring toward the door; Eunice was watching him. Neither knew that other

eyes were upon them; that an intruder was spying through the halfopened window. This stormy scene with

Graham Wellerton had been observed by an outsider who had more than a passing interest in the affair!

When Eunice left her father alone, Ralph Delkin still seemed in a dazed state. The girl knew that he was

pondering over the vague threat which Graham Wellerton had made. She felt sure, however, that all would be

There was one, however, in Southwark, who understood that some great calamity was threatening. Harry

Vincent, agent of The Shadow, was that man. At midnight, Harry stopped in the telegraph office to send a

There was nothing in the telegram to indicate it as other than an ordinary message pertaining to some minor

business. Actually, however, the wording of the wire had a special significance. That telegram was an

emergency message to The Shadow a prompt report to tell the master of darkness that grim events were in

Harry Vincent knew that The Shadow would respond. Whatever might occur in Southwark, The Shadow's

THE next day was Saturday. Graham Wellerton attended to the affairs of the short business day. As evening

Graham had no intention of telling the old lawyer what had happened at least not for the present. He knew,

however, that he might have to make use of legal advice at any time. He wanted to be sure that Dowser would

In response to Graham's casual questioning, Dowser stated that he intended to spend the weekend at his

home. Dowser lived in a large house about two miles out of Southwark, hence he would be accessible should

"What is the trouble, Wellerton?" quizzed the lawyer. "You are not worried about business affairs?"

"Nothing special," responded Graham. "I have various matters to consider and I intend to stay at home

tomorrow on that account. It just occurred to me that I might find some questions that would require your

Harwin Dowser eyed the young man shrewdly. The old lawyer, experienced in his study of human nature,

could sense that his client was troubled. Dowser shook his head knowingly after Graham had departed.

Back in his old house, Graham dined alone and dismissed the servant for the evening. He quietly awaited the

arrival of Carma, for he felt sure that the woman would come to learn the answer to her demands. Thinking of

Graham lighted a cigarette and went out on the front porch to smoke. He was convinced, beyond all doubt,

that Delkin had sent for Carma. He felt a strong resentment toward the man, but as he considered the matter,

After all, Graham had been a crook. Why should he criticize Delkin for turning crooked? The manufacturer

was desperate. He had discovered a perfect opportunity to bleed a man who had much wealth.

What hurt Graham was the fact that he would gladly have offered funds to Delkin. Carma was the reason why

Graham hated this whole turn of events. He was determined to balk the woman's game no matter what the

The night was cloudy. A thrumming announced that an airplane was passing overhead. The coupled

circumstances made Graham remember that night when he had robbed his uncle's safe in an effort to aid

Ralph Delkin. What strange consequences had come from that! In one short month, Graham's fortunes had

Graham went back into the house. He sat at a desk and began to write with pen and ink. After several

attempts at careful wording, which involved the destruction of unfinished effort, Graham completed his task.

AN hour had passed. There was a ring at the door. Graham went to answer it. He found Carma waiting there.

Once again, Graham's eyes did not notice the space beyond the porch. Someone was there but even had

Graham stared coldly, he could not have detected the phantom figure which lingered. That weird shape was

Graham conducted Carma into the living room. They were out of sight of the front door, hence neither saw

that barrier open softly. No eyes observed the tall being clad in black that moved with spectral tread as it

The Shadow had arrived in Southwark. Lost in the gloom of Graham Wellerton's dimly lighted hallway, this

master who battled crime was a silent observer of the interview which was now to take place!

"I have made my decision," declared Graham. "I intend to give you all my money."

"Exactly," returned Graham, "but not at present. That is the only qualification."

"Not at all," said Graham. "Here is the paper which I have prepared. It is my will."

"Where do you get that stuff!" sneered Carma. "When you die! How does that help me?"

"I gained the money through my uncle's death," declared Graham. "You, in turn, will gain it through mine.

My uncle accumulated his wealth through evil practices. He left it to me because he felt that I would use it to

"Instead, I have been using the cash for good. In respect of my uncle's feelings no matter how unfair they

may have been I shall cease my philanthropies. I intend to live upon the interest, keeping the principal.

"Should I survive you, I shall be free to use the money as I wish. Should you survive me, the entire capital

"Yeah?" questioned Carma, in a malicious tone. "Well, it doesn't suit me, big boy. How do you like that?

"Good," decided Graham. "If you do that, I shall destroy this will and leave all my money to charity."

"For twenty years at the most. Perhaps less. I have already arranged to make restitution of funds that I have

stolen. I do not relish a term in the penitentiary, but when I am free, I shall still have the bulk of my uncle's

"Then, if you survive me, you will gain nothing. Even your claim for a widow's share will be nullified in all

"I must mention that, Carma. So long as you live, I shall provide you with a comfortable income, provided

that you remain away from Southwark and keep silent. If you fail in either of these terms, I shall cut off the

"I think you will," rejoined Graham calmly. "Nevertheless, I am willing to face the music."

"Better think it over, Carma," suggested Graham. "I shall have this will witnessed tonight. I am calling my

lawyer, Harwin Dowser, to tell him that I have prepared the document. On Monday, I shall deliver it to him,

"Dowser does not know that I am married. When he learns that fact, he will not be surprised to learn that I

have left my estate to my wife. This will does not incriminate me in any way. So there is your opportunity,

Carma. Wait in hopes of gaining all, and live while you wait; or squeal and get nothing."

"I'll think it over," snarled Carma, rising. "You'll hear from me soon enough. Go ahead get the will

THE woman arose. She walked to the door. Graham did not accompany her. Carma went directly past the

spot where The Shadow was standing. She did not see the tall being in black, nor did Graham.

Still in the living room, Graham heard the door slam. He did not hear it reopen softly as The Shadow, too,

Graham went to the telephone to call some friends in Southwark. His purpose was to arrange an appointment

for the witnessing of the will. Graham was resigned to whatever might occur. He would wait here until he

Meanwhile, Carma was going back to the Southwark House. Arrived at the hotel, the woman entered a phone

booth in the drug store which adjoined it. As she telephoned, Carma did not notice the tall, silently moving

individual who took the next booth. She did not realize that every word she said could be heard.

One call completed, Carma hung up the receiver and waited a few minutes. Then she stepped from the booth

and consulted the telephone directory. Eyes were watching as Carma found the name she wanted that of

Returning to the booth, Carma called six eight. A sneering curl showed on the woman's ruddy lips as a voice

answered at the other end. In smooth, easy tones, Carma began to speak. As she talked, The Shadow listened!

Carma, tonight, had received her answer. She knew that Graham Wellerton would persist in his intention.

Now, Carma was plotting to turn the answer into a fortune greater than the one she had demanded!

GRAHAM WELLERTON spent a quiet Sunday in his home. The cloudy day seemed to hold the gloom of an

approaching storm. Southwark was a dreary town on such a day as this. Graham saw no reason to venture

Evening came. Graham, seated in his living room, heard a ring at the door. He decided that Carma must be

here. He went to the door and opened it. He was surprised to find Sheriff Ellis Taussig.

"Nothing special," responded Taussig. "I just came in from Dowser's. He thought maybe you would ride out

"The line's out of order," returned Taussig. "Dowser may be going out of town early tomorrow. He wants to

"Leave a note on the door," suggested Taussig. "We can get back here in a little while. An hour, say."

His keenness aroused, Graham suspected some special purpose in the sheriff's visit. Taussig was tactful.

Graham half believed that if he refused to accompany the man, trouble might result. If anything had started, it

would be best to learn about it now. Graham penned a brief note and stuck it to the door. He pocketed his

Taussig said but little during the ride to Dowser's. They swung in through a gate, up a long lane among thick

trees and stopped at the lawyer's home. The sheriff kept very close to his companion as the pair entered the

GRAHAM'S first surprise came when he entered Dowser's living room. Standing with the old lawyer was

What was the manufacturer doing here? Graham wondered. There was tenseness during the handshakes. As

the men sat down, Graham drew his will from his pocket and passed it to Harwin Dowser. The lawyer

glanced at the document, then read it carefully. He made no comment regarding its contents.

Graham unconsciously glanced to a door across the room. That door, he knew, led to the lawyer's study. Did

Dowser mean the safe in there or the safe in his own office? It did not matter; but there was something else

Graham noted that the door was very slightly ajar. Through the crevice, he caught a momentary gleam that

disappeared the moment he observed it. He sensed that eyes had been watching him. He shuddered as a long

Once Graham Wellerton had felt that presence of that mysterious being. Did he sense it now? The thought

was incredible, yet it persisted. With his criminal past disturbing his mind, Graham was ill at ease. Carma in

league with Ralph Delkin that was a situation bad enough. If The Shadow had suddenly entered the scene,

The Shadow warred with criminals. Graham, despite the reform which he had chosen, could not forget that he

had been a crook. He feared The Shadow, and his only solace was the effort which he made to laugh off what

"I can stay only one hour," remarked Graham cordially. "I may have callers at home I really should be back

Graham turned in surprise. It was Ralph Delkin who had spoken. The manufacturer's face had become

determined. Graham stared, then looked at Taussig and Dowser. Both seemed stern and solemn. Graham

"What is the matter, Delkin?" challenged Graham. "It appears that you have some purpose in being here

"I have," declared Delkin, rising. "You threatened me two nights ago. You told me that trouble would come

Graham was on his feet, staring at Delkin in consternation. Turning to Dowser and Taussig, Graham showed

"She disappeared last night," asserted Dowser calmly. "It looks like abduction. Delkin came to me and

accused you. I told him to remain here. That is why I asked the sheriff to bring you here."

"This is horrible!" exclaimed Graham. "I know nothing about it! You may rely upon me to use every effort to

"You threatened me," denounced Ralph Delkin coldly. "That is why I have told the truth about you. Dowser

knows all; so does Taussig. You are a crook the kind of a man who would stoop to kidnaping."

"One moment." Harwin Dowser spoke gravely as he arose from his chair. "I have represented you, Wellerton,

purely as the administrator of your uncle's estate. I have no sympathy for you now that I have learned that

Graham glanced, quickly toward Sheriff Taussig. The officer did not have a gun in readiness. Graham looked

toward the door of the study. He knew that the room had another outlet. A wild desire to escape came over

WHILE Graham instinctively moved toward the study, trying to resist the action which would certainly

incriminate him, Harwin Dowser issued a loud command. Instantly four masked men leaped into view at the

wide archway which led from living room to hall. The men were holding revolvers; they covered Graham

"Vigilantes," responded Harwin Dowser sternly. "I summoned them here after you left to get Wellerton."

"It was necessary," explained Dowser. "Delkin talked a bit about his daughter's disappearance. People called

"No; but new calls came just after you went out. I told the vigilantes to come here; that you were bringing

Wellerton. Do not worry, sheriff. These men are on the side of the law. They will obey you. Perhaps their

Graham looked toward the door. The crowd of vigilantes had increased to eight. He decided that there must

be more men outside. With nerves tingling, the young man planned to meet the situation.

"I do not know what has become of Eunice," he declared. "I have not seen her since I visited Delkin's home;

Ralph Delkin says that I am a crook. He offers no proof. That settles the matter. Sheriff" Graham faced

Taussig squarely "I expect you to accompany me back to my own home, where you found me."

As Taussig deliberated, Harwin Dowser intervened. The old lawyer held up a hand to signify that no one

should move. He walked toward the hallway; the vigilantes parted. Dowser beckoned. Carma appeared in

"I am your wife," sneered Carma. "You are a crook and I can tell the truth about you."

With sudden decision, Graham came forth with a denial. He faced the woman and hurled back a challenge to

"You are talking of the past," he declared. "Let me see you prove the past. Prove that I engaged in crime.

Prove that you are married to me. This woman holds a grudge against me" Graham turned to Taussig as he

Harwin Dowser, standing near the vigilantes, uttered a chuckle. His tone became a laugh. He glared at

"You want more proof?" he questioned. "You want corroborating testimony? You shall have it. Set a thief to

The masked vigilantes parted. Another man stepped into view. This time, Graham Wellerton stared in

dumfoundment. The new witness whom Harwin Dowser had summoned was Wolf Daggert. Leering, the

Eyes were peering from the study door; eyes that even Graham Wellerton did not observe. The Shadow was a

THE door of Harwin Dowser's study closed completely. A tiny flashlight glimmered in the darkened room. A

disk of illumination, no larger than a silver dollar, formed a spot upon the door of the oldfashioned safe that

A black hand grasped the dial. Fingers, working a combination that was evidently known to the brain which

guided them, completed the work. The door of the safe opened; The Shadow's keen eyes perceived a long

The envelope disappeared into the darkness. Several seconds elapsed before it was returned. A soft laugh was

The course of his stealthy tread took him through a side door of the study. From the rear of the hallway, The

Shadow could glimpse the armed men in the archway at the opening of the living room.

Unseen, The Shadow turned through a narrow opening. His flashlight glimmered upon the knob of a door.

Silently, The Shadow opened the barrier and descended a flight of stairs. His light was no longer at work, his

steps were noiseless, even when they reached the stone flooring of the basement.

In a remote portion of the large cellar, The Shadow stopped as he reached an opening in the wall. Before him

lay a stone compartment; beyond it was a sheetmetal door that bore a huge padlock. Two men were in view,

seated upon overturned boxes. Both were roughly clad; both were watchful in the gloomy light that came

One of the men arose. Strolling back and forth, he neared the fringe of darkness by the opening where The

A long streak of blackness crept along the floor. The standing man saw it; he turned toward the opening. Two

long arms shot out and caught the fellow by the throat. Like a rat between a terrier's teeth, the ruffian was

The seated man lighted a cigarette. Holding out the package, he looked for his companion. He wondered

where the other had gone. Listening, he fancied that he heard a noise. He arose and drew forth a flashlight. As

The glare revealed a tall approaching figure. Sparkling eyes reflected the flashlight's glare. Before the startled

man could realize what the phenomenon meant, a phantom shape shot forward and materialized itself into a

dynamic fighting force. The second ruffian went down beneath The Shadow's onslaught. He, too, was

The quickness of these events had been incredible. The Shadow reappeared and swept across the lighted

compartment. A tiny instrument of steel appeared in his blackgloved hand. At the first attempt, The Shadow

The barrier swung wide. As the light flickered into the room beyond, The Shadow moved swiftly back by the

path which had brought him here. Lost in the darkness beyond the opening in the wall, he paused to deliver a

The black cloak swished as The Shadow retraced his steps toward the stairs that led upward. The two men

whom he had overcome, now lying bound beside the cellar wall, heard the faint echoes of a mysterious

IN the upstairs living room, Graham Wellerton was facing the sneering glares of Carma Urstead and Wolf

"Sure," the yellow gangster was declaring. "this guy is phony. He worked for King Furzman the big shot

back in New York. His mob throwed him out they were the bozos who were tryin' to rob old Talboy when

"I ain't talkin' about myself," snarled Wolf. "I'm talkin' about this guy Wellerton the bank robber."

"Let me explain the matter," suggested Dowser, turning to Sheriff Taussig. "Shortly after Wellerton came

into his uncle's estate, this man Daggert appeared here at my home. He stated that Wellerton was a bank

"Daggert admitted that he had been connected with the group. He said that he had remained in hiding at a

farmhouse several miles outside of Southwark the old deserted place on the Surreyville road. It was through

"In order to learn the truth, I sent for the woman. She has been in town for several days. She is here to accuse

Graham Wellerton stared. He knew now whom Carma had meant when she had said that a man in Southwark

had sent for her. He knew now that she was in league with Wolf Daggert, and that the skulking gang leader

"You are listening to a conspiracy," declared Graham, turning to the sheriff. "No proof is offered merely a

concerted attempt to ruin my reputation. Mr. Dowser has been deluded by these scoundrels. These statements

"One moment," asserted Dowser. "I take it, Wellerton, that you think there is no proof. I do not care for your

opinion. It is Sheriff Taussig whom I intend to convince. Come this way to my study. There you shall see

The vigilantes followed, covering Graham with their revolvers. Dowser, Taussig, and Delkin drew Graham

along with them into the study, where the lawyer turned on the lights. Carma and Wolf followed. The masked

Harwin Dowser opened the safe. From it, he drew an envelope. He pulled back the flap and produced a

folded paper. His sharp eyes were gleaming as he handed the document to Sheriff Taussig.

"There," declared Dowser emphatically, "you will find the proof of the first statement made. That is the

marriage license, dated March the third, 1928, which pronounces Carma Urstead to be the wife of Graham

Wellerton. That is the document which caused me to accept the woman's story. This will in my pocket"

Dowser handed the new paper to Taussig "goes with it, naming the woman as heiress to Graham

SHERIFF TAUSSIG opened the marriage license. He stared at it in perplexity. He raised his head and looked

Harwin Dowser looked over the sheriff's shoulder; Graham Wellerton, on the other side, did the same. A cry

of amazement came from Graham's lips. In one brief instant, complete understanding of a longcontinued

The marriage license which Sheriff Taussig was reading was not dated March 3, 1928. It was two years older

than that, bearing the date of April 9, 1926. But that was not the astounding feature of the document. The

Carma Urstead was named, but Graham Wellerton was not. The man whose name was given in the marriage

With a cry of triumph, Graham Wellerton turned to throw his counter accusation against these two whose

COMPLETE confidence ruled Graham Wellerton now. He felt that he had gained the point he needed a

startling piece of information that would enable him to place his past faults squarely upon those who were

Ralph Delkin knew of Graham's career of crime. To Delkin, Graham had stated facts concerning Carma

Urstead. Now that the woman was proven as the wife of another man, Graham's case was established so far

Through Delkin, Graham felt that he could swing Sheriff Taussig; as for Harwin Dowser, the old lawyer

would have to capitulate, now that his pet theories had been disturbed. Graham realized that Carma, actually

the wife of Wolf Daggert, had married him by trickery. Then, conspiring with Wolf, she had forced Graham

Evidently the woman had kept both marriage licenses: the bona fide one, which named her as the wife of

Wolf Daggert; and the false, illegal document which named Graham Wellerton as her husband. Graham

decided that there must have been a mistake; that Carma had inadvertently placed the first license in Dowser's

Carma was staring at the paper. The words she blurted forth merely served to prove the genuineness of the

"That's the old one," cried Carma. "My old license which I left in New York! Someone must have stolen it

and brought it here. It has been put in the safe instead of the one I gave to Mr. Dowser!"

Sheriff Taussig was quick to catch the woman's statement. He stared at Carma as he waved the paper which

"You mean you were married before you met Wellerton?" quizzed Taussig. "I see married to this crook"

Taussig nudged his head at Wolf "and working with him to put young Wellerton in bad. Well, I'm going to

pinch both of you and it will be lucky for you, woman, if that other license don't show up."

The sheriff turned to the masked men at the door. With an air of authority, he addressed the vigilantes.

"We don't need you fellows," asserted Taussig. "I'll grab these two crooks. I'll see that Wellerton sticks

"Hold on, sheriff!" announced Harwin Dowser. "We're not through with Wellerton. yet. You forget why we

brought him here. Delkin's daughter is missing. Wellerton threatened Delkin. Just because you've spotted two

crooks is no proof of Wellerton's innocence. He is as bad as the others. We've got to find that girl!"

Threatening tones came from the vigilantes at the door. Two men were advancing with drawn guns. Taussig

"We've waited long enough," growled one of the masked men. "We're going to grab Wellerton and make him

"Nothing doing," growled the vigilante. "We're handling Wellerton from now on. If he don't tell us what he's

Graham Wellerton realized his helplessness. These vigilantes, like every group that dealt in lynch law, were

probably men who did not care to waste time in listening to reason. The issue had been diverted. Sheriff

Taussig intended to arrest Carma and Wolf. But that would not help Graham's situation.

Taussig was helpless; Delkin was horrified. There was only one man who might be able to appease the wrath

of these masked vigilantes. That one was Dowser. Graham turned to the old lawyer in appeal.

"This is your house," he said. "You may have some authority over those who have come here. If these men

DOWSER'S warning hand seemed to hold back the vigilantes. They did not relax their tenseness. Four men

in this room; four in the room beyond; all were ready with their revolvers. Dowser's decision was all that they

"Tell what you know, Wellerton," suggested the old attorney. "If you can lead these men to Eunice Delkin,

"You must tell," insisted Dowser. "If Eunice Delkin is alive and well, your life will be spared. There is no one

else in Southwark who would have had cause to steal her no one but yourself. Where is she?"

"You've killed her, eh?" came the suggestion from the leading vigilante. "That's why you're keeping mum?

Harwin Dowser shook his head sadly. Ralph Delkin, his face pale, was pleading with the masked men to use

"Don't!" warned Dowser. "These men would kill you, Taussig! If Wellerton will only speak and tell the truth,

"Help us out, Wellerton!" exclaimed the sheriff. "Do you know where the girl is? Can you give us any clew?

The sheriff's tones ended. Taussig, his face registering astonishment, was staring toward the side door of the

study. Someone was entering there, and as the figure came into the light, others, beside the sheriff, uttered

Coming into this room where death threatened, brought to this place just in time to avert a crisis, was Eunice

Pale, the girl was advancing, her eyes filled with horror. She did not notice her father. She could see only

Graham Wellerton, threatened by a group of armed masked men. With a sob, the girl sprang forward and

threw her arms around Graham Wellerton. Dazedly, the young man realized that deliverance had arrived,

His past was cleared. Eunice Delkin had commended him for leaving paths of crime. He loved this girl; now

that his marriage to Carma Urstead had been proven nonexistent, he would be free to tell Eunice of his love.

The vigilantes would release him. Perhaps the penalties of past crimes could be avoided. Yet even a jail

sentence seemed trivial in the knowledge which Graham Wellerton had gained. He knew now that Eunice

With the happy girl still sobbing in his arms, Graham turned to Harwin Dowser, confident that now the old

lawyer could dismiss the threatening vigilantes. When he saw the expression in the attorney's eyes, Graham

Harwin Dowser had become a glaring fiend. His kindly mask had vanished. In one quick instant, Graham

Wellerton realized that all this evil business had been of the old man's making!

WHILE Graham Wellerton still stared at Harwin Dowser, Eunice Delkin realized that something was amiss.

Drawing away from the man whose life she had saved, the girl saw her father and turned to him. As she told

"Harwin Dowser is responsible for my abduction!" exclaimed the girl. "He and these two!" Eunice indicated

Wolf and Carma. "Last night, this woman called me on the telephone. She said that she was Graham

Wellerton's wife; that she would like to talk to me. I met her outside our house. The man was driving the car.

"Until tonight, I had no opportunity for escape. The door was locked; two men were on guard outside. Then I

was mysteriously released. Harwin Dowser was the one who kept me prisoner, so he could blame Graham

"What Eunice says is true," he asserted coldly. "What difference does it make? Now that facts are known, I

can stifle them. The outcome will be the same since Graham Wellerton has made his will!"

There was evil triumph in the old man's tone. Graham sensed a tremendous menace. He listened tensely while

"Originally," stated the lawyer, "I planned blackmail. Then came a better opportunity. I was working with

Wolf Daggert. Carma Urstead played her part. Graham Wellerton made his will. It became easier to kill him

"These masked men are not vigilantes. They are mobsters, brought here through Daggert. Their job is to slay

Graham Wellerton. They will do so. Unfortunately, we will have to dispose of Sheriff Taussig also now

that he has learned too much. He will die protecting Wellerton from the vigilantes.

"I was going to let Delkin out of it. He will have to die also. His daughter also stands in our way. She will die.

The two will be found murdered in their home, apparently victims of Graham Wellerton's wrath."

Still persistently malicious, Harwin Dowser stared at those who were to be the victims of his evil vengeance.

"That old marriage license," asserted Dowser, "arrived here by some mysterious mistake. We will discover

the one we want wherever it has been placed. The old license will be destroyed and forgotten. The will,

however, will remain. Through it, I and my friends will gain Graham Wellerton's entire estate."

The old man paused. His evil nature was to the fore. The four who were doomed knew well that there was no

escape. With great wealth awaiting him, Harwin Dowser, now turned fiend, would certainly show no mercy.

TENSE silence. No one moved. Dowser turned to the pretended vigilantes. He raised his hand as in a signal.

As Dowser acted, Sheriff Taussig overcame all hesitation. Thrusting his hand in his pocket, he reached for his

Graham Wellerton was madly trying to shield Eunice Delkin. The girl's father saw that he could not aid.

Carma Urstead was scurrying toward the side of the room. Wolf Daggert and Harwin Dowser were calmly

All these actions, performed by those of both factions, apparently meant nothing as the vigilantes leveled

their guns to shoot. But before a single revolver shot broke forth, an interruption came with amazing

suddenness. From the side door of the room, a pair of automatics burst loose with unexpected results.

No one had seen the presence of The Shadow as the master of darkness had arrived to watch this drama.

Those who stared now saw only long tongues of flame that came with the startling cannonade. Masked

Those behind turned to meet the attack. Quick shots were fired toward the spot where The Shadow stood.

The only bullets that came in his direction were those dispatched without accurate aim. Before his enemies

could fire deadly shots, The Shadow dropped them with his unerring marksmanship.

The first four vigilantes went down; as the second squad leaped to the fray, distant shots sounded beyond the

front door. The Shadow's agents: Harry Vincent and Cliff Marsland, the latter brought from New York, were

The reserve mobsmen wavered. Shots from the unexpected quarter made them hesitate. That was all The

Shadow needed. His mammoth automatics continued their rapid fire, Two mobsmen, one wounded, the other

unscathed, staggered through the big room toward the hall. The others lay as victims of the fray.

To Sheriff Taussig, whose gun was in his hand, The Shadow left Harwin Dowser and Wolf Daggert for the

moment. The automatics were barking through the hallway, to stop the gangsters who were fleeing, and to

Taussig had Wolf Daggert covered; had the sheriff acted as The Shadow had expected, he could have

Taussig, however, paused; and while he held Wolf at bay, Dowser performed the action. The lawyer fired.

Graham Wellerton fell upon Wolf Daggert and wrestled with the gang leader. Wolf's gun barked as Graham

yanked it from him. Wounded in the left hand, Graham staggered back and fired pointblank as Wolf leaped

Ralph Delkin was grappling with Harwin Dowser. The lawyer broke free and aimed at Sheriff Taussig, who

was lying on the floor. Graham Wellerton, his wounded hand pressed to his body, aimed his revolver at the

old lawyer. Graham's action was too late to prevent the shot that was planned to kill Ellis Taussig, but another

A roar from the door. The Shadow had delivered another bullet from the automatic. Harwin Dowser

screamed as the revolver fell from his shattered hand. Graham Wellerton, already pressing the trigger of his

revolver, could not stop. His bullet entered Dowser's body. The fiend collapsed upon the floor.

Weakened by his wound, Graham Wellerton leaned upon a chair. It was then that a new factor entered the

Carma Urstead was creeping toward the doorway to the living room. Suddenly the woman arose. Her face

was evil as her hand leveled a mobsman's revolver toward Graham Wellerton's body.

EUNICE DELKIN saw. With a call of warning, the brave girl leaped forward and placed herself between

Graham and the leveled gun. Carma Urstead sneered. Coldly, she aimed to slay Eunice Delkin. The girl never

As Carman looked toward the object of her aim, she saw a form beyond. Looming within the doorway at the

side of the room was the tall figure of The Shadow. Cold eyes a steady automatic both were turned

The woman stood petrified, with finger upon the trigger of the revolver. She was afraid to fire. She knew that

she was in the power of The Shadow! Slowly, she began to retreat; the glare of those steady eyes made her

The Shadow warred with men. Evil though Carma Urstead was, the master fighter had no intent to slay her.

He knew that the very terror of his presence would prevail; that Carma would weaken before his inflexible

But Sheriff Taussig, prone in a corner of the room saw only Carma and Eunice. He did not know why Carma

hesitated. He observed the evil glare in the woman's eyes; he fancied that she was withholding vengeance

Raising his revolver, Sheriff Taussig propped himself on his right elbow, and pressed the trigger of his

weapon. With that shot, Carma Urstead staggered. The revolver fell from her hand as she collapsed. Like the

A strange, creepy laugh shuddered through the room. Startled eyes turned toward the doorway. They saw

nothing these persons whom The Shadow had rescued. The master fighter, with a quick swish of his

The Shadow's work was done. Justice had prevailed over insidious crime. Only a trailing laugh remained, an

eerie sound which died with mystic echoes after the weird visitant had departed.

Graham Wellerton alone understood the meaning of that sinister cry. To him, the uncanny mirth meant more

than The Shadow's triumph. It signified that this master fighter who knew all the circumstances had left him

THE consequences of the fierce fight at Harwin Dowser's were amazing to Graham Wellerton. Villains had

brought doom upon themselves, and when reason had formed from chaos, Graham found himself freed from

Sheriff Ellis Taussig, recognized instrument of the law in Southwark, was the man who took control of the

entire situation. To Taussig, the crimes of Harwin Dowser and his associates were evident, while the charges

The facts were plainly told. Harwin Dowser had coveted Graham Wellerton's millions. The attorney had

joined forces with two schemers of criminal tendencies: Wolf Daggert, New York gang leader, and Carma

Blackmail failing, Graham had been tricked into making a will in the woman's favor. The villains had plotted

murder; and to cover it by making Graham's death seem justifiable, had kidnaped Eunice Delkin. They had

With these evil deeds uncovered, Graham Wellerton stood forth as a man who deserved sympathy. The only

Moreover, an important document one which had in some mysterious fashion replaced a false one acted

further in Graham's behalf. This paper was the marriage license that proved Carma Urstead to be the legal

Eunice Delkin's testimony showed that she had been used as a pretext for the murder of Graham Wellerton.

Ralph Delkin, his daughter restored and the truth known, was profuse in his admiration for Wellerton's

The past was blotted. Graham's two enemies, Wolf Daggert and Carma Urstead, were dead. Harwin Dowser

no longer lived. The only persons who knew the truth were those who had heard it from Graham's own lips:

Two mobsters, discovered bound in Dowser's cellar, proved useful witnesses. They identified the false

vigilantes as their pals. They were glad to have escaped the slaughter that had come to their evil companions.

The captured pair of gangsters said that they and their fellows had been paid to come to Southwark and

follow orders. They knew Wolf Daggert as a smart Manhattan crook. They knew nothing of Graham

THERE was an element of shrouded mystery that perplexed those who had taken part in the affair. Some

unseen personage had fought for the right that night. Graham Wellerton was convinced that he knew the

The Shadow had obtained Carma Urstead's real marriage license. He had brought it to Southwark, to

The Shadow, Graham was sure, was the one who had trapped the two gangsters in the cellar. His hand had

Snarling mobsters had fallen before The Shadow's might. The master fighter had driven back the false

vigilantes, and they had gone down in battle vainly trying to overcome his attack.

To Graham Wellerton, the presence of The Shadow seemed miraculous. Considering it, the young man

realized that The Shadow had granted him powerful aid because Graham had chosen the straight road in

EVENTS in Southwark had their sequel in Manhattan. On a certain night, some weeks after the struggle at

Dowser's, a click sounded in a darkened room. Weird bluish light threw wavering rays upon the surface of a

polished table. Into the realm of illumination crept two uncanny hands; living creatures that came from

The resplendent girasol caught the flickering rays from the light, and threw them back with sparkling

iridescence. The glorious jewel told the identity of the man who wore it; the eerie light named the place.

From an envelope, long fingers drew forth clippings and dropped them on the table. Unseen eyes studied the

printed lines. These items were of varied import. The first ones which The Shadow read told of restitutions.

Bankers in New York and other cities had been the recipients of funds from unknown sources. Anonymous

notes had told them that these moneys were replacements for cash and securities which had been stolen.

A single clipping spoke of another matter. It had been cut from the little Southwark daily, and it told of an

important event in the MidWestern town. Eunice Delkin had become the bride of Graham Wellerton.

The Shadow had departed from his sanctum. He had voiced his satisfaction over the final events that marked

The gentleman of crime had rejected the road of evil to take the path of right. His way was clear; opened by

For the facts of the young man's forgotten past were recorded only in the secret archives of The Shadow

those massive tomes which, like The Shadow's identity itself, would never be discovered!