Shadow 017 - The Five Chameleons 11-01-32, The by Maxwell Grant

Author:Maxwell Grant [Grant, Maxwell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Street and Smith
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

MARTHA sat down in the chair, and looked at the paper. The Shadow spoke, his words a virtual answer to the questions that were running through the girl’s mind.

“The first paragraph,” declared The Shadow, “is not indented. The second paragraph is. Yet the writing shows care and method. It proves that this is only part of your father’s message. It is the last page. The first sentence is the continuation of a paragraph that began on the page before.”

Martha read the words: “I have contemplated suicide -” and realized instantly that The Shadow had struck the vital point.

“There was at least one other page,” continued The Shadow. “Only this one was found. Some one took the remainder of the message. He wanted the death to be declared suicide - to cover murder.”

Martha Delmar nodded. Strangely enough, she had recovered quickly from the shock of learning that her father had been murdered. The thought of suicide had wounded her. The fact that Roland Delmar had actually resolved to live came as a comforting thought.

“There have been two crimes in Middletown,” said The Shadow. “I am speaking now of murder. Those responsible for your father’s death are the ones who also killed Wellington and placed the blame upon Hubert Salisbury.”

The voice paused thoughtfully.

“But those are not the only crimes. Murder was but incidental to the plotting that has reached this city. These men of crime have not yet completed their evil work. I shall thwart them!”

The voice was sinister. Its shuddering tones awed the girl. Yet, despite the uncanniness of the scene, she knew that The Shadow was a friend. That fact banished fear.

“I shall turn their crimes against them,” announced The Shadow, accenting each word with sibilant emphasis. “The truth shall be learned - and the innocent shall not suffer!”

Martha could see the glowing eyes. She knew that the menacing glint was only meant for the foes of justice. To her, the eyes gleamed with warm friendliness.

“Be patient!” said The Shadow. “Justice shall prevail!”

The girl realized that The Shadow was about to leave. She felt a sudden panic - a fear that she would lose his protecting influence.

“You are going -“

“Yes.”

“You will return?”

“Yes.”

Slowly, The Shadow drew the black glove from his left hand, to reveal the long, white fingers. Martha stared in amazement at the resplendent gem which she saw. Its marvelous changing hues were reflected clearly, even in the dim light.

“This girasol,” said the spectral voice, “is the symbol of The Shadow. Few have ever known its significance. You are one.

“He who wears this stone - like which there is no other - is The Shadow. No matter what his guise may be, he is The Shadow. Tell none what I have told you!”

“I understand,” said Martha breathlessly. “I shall remember. No one else shall know.”

As the girl stared at the gem, she lost all sense of material forms about her. The effect of the glowing jewel was hypnotic.

The figure of The Shadow seemed to melt into darkness. The white hand disappeared.

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