The spell of the sleep gas was ended. Those longest under its influence were wholly recovered, except for weakness that was attributed to lack of recent nourishment.
TWO days later, at the hospital, Doctor Sayre allowed the three investors to hold a brief conference.
James Mandor showed the options to Martin Brellick and George Thurnig, explaining that the papers had been mysteriously delivered to him. The three discussed other matters, that were finally left entirely to Mandor.
That led to a meeting between James Mandor and Dick Remingwood.
Himself the proven owner of the formula for the cheap production of synthetic rubber, Dick held the very key that the investors wanted. The process was his, not Lawsham's, and he was free to discuss new terms. They were fair enough, and Mandor eagerly accepted them.
The proposed company was incorporated, with Dick as an equal shareholder. The directors - Mandor, Brellick, and Thurnig - forthwith elected him president. Dick was given full charge of production, while their task was to raise additional capital, a matter which offered very little difficulty.
Among those desirous of buying stock in the new concern was Lamont Cranston, a millionaire whose ability at picking good investments led many to follow his lead. Again, the hand of The Shadow was visible in the affairs of the Dead Who Lived.
To Dick Remingwood, however, there came a greater reward than any that promise of wealth could produce. That was his marriage to Arlene Delton, a quiet ceremony attended by only a few friends, Harry Vincent among them.
The bride and groom were aboard a liner, ready to depart for a long West Indies cruise, when Harry joined them, to see them off. They were seated in the spacious lounge, when they heard a steward's call:
'All ashore!'
Harry raised his glass. He gave a toast:
'To the honeymoon!'
Dick shook his head. He smiled at Arlene. She knew the words that were in her husband's mind.
It was Arlene who spoke them, her tone filled with fervent recollection of the person whose deeds had brought this final happiness:
'To The Shadow!'
THE END
