Lopez discovered the wire of a dictograph running in from the window. Shortly afterward, an agent of my
enemies called to deliver an ultimatum. Midnight, to-morrow, is the deadline.”
“For whom?”
“For me—so they think. But they delivered the ultimatum to Wallace. Lopez was with him at the time.
Now, the situation is this. A false move by either of those two would ruin my plans. I can rely upon
Lopez. As for Wallace —”
“You are paying him well—”
“Yes, but he had a row with Lopez to-night. As a result, Lopez is watching him. Therefore, Lopez may
encounter difficulties. I think that Wallace is simply worried—that's all. Nevertheless, some one must
keep in contact with Lopez in order to inform me. It would be unwise for me to call that house again from
here.”
“I understand. You want me to work in between.”
“Exactly. To-night, I shall send a radiogram to a certain ship at sea. That is something I can do by
telephone from here. The message will be picked up by the yacht—the Cordova. In return, I shall receive
a reply which can easily be heard by our radio set here. It will give me, in code, the exact time to meet
the Cordova's boat when it comes ashore at the appointed place. You understand?”
“Certainly. But how does that concern me?”
“In a most important way,” declared Legira, emphatically. “I shall call you, to let you know the time at
which I shall be leaving here. You will note that by coincidence, the limit of time given by my enemies is
exactly the limit that I shall have to wait before leaving the country.”
“To-morrow, midnight.”
“Yes. Wallace and Lopez must stay at their post until the limit. I have told Lopez not to go until ordered.
But should I receive word that I shall be met at—say ten o'clock—it will be safe for Wallace and Lopez
to leave at that time.”
“They will encounter danger?”
“Not necessarily. They can summon the police. I have made provision for that. A fake letter, threatening
the consulate, is in the possession of Lopez. He can protect himself and Wallace. But they must not do
anything until I am clear.”
“You make provision for everything,” said Desmond, in a tone of admiration.
“For all except treachery,” declared Legira. “That can be avoided only by careful choice of men.”
“Such as Lopez,” said Desmond.
“And yourself,” added Legira.
Desmond smiled in a pleased acknowledgment.
“That is all,” said Legira. “With your cooperation, all should go as I have intended. Be either at your
office or your apartment. I shall communicate with you when necessary.”
The consul arose and Desmond followed his example. Legira extended his hand.
“Remember, Desmond,” he said in parting, “I rely upon you as my sure intermediary. My success
depends upon your cooperation. I must keep all suspicion on the wrong spot until the last minute. Think
of my safety; also that of Lopez and Wallace. Francisco, also”—Legira smiled in afterthought—
“because he will be here with me.”
“You can depend upon me,” declared Desmond, in a positive tone.
Legira walked with the other man to the front door. Scarcely had they left the room before there was a
motion by the end of the bookcase. The tall figure of The Shadow was visible as it came momentarily into
the light. Then the being in black moved toward the window. The sash raised noiselessly and
