The Hand

"Didn't get it, did you?" queried Maude. "Well, that was to fox Pinkey.

So

he wouldn't start any rough stuff over at Jondran's house. See the point?"

Ondrey saw it; but Bugs Hopton apparently didn't. He stared at Ondrey, as if hoping to read the answer in the latter's expression. What Bugs actually saw

was something that awoke his entire interest.

The wall panel was sliding open!

Whatever Bugs lacked in careful calculation, he was at least an opportunist. He had proven that on various occasions. Bugs could take long chances in a pinch. He proved it once again.

Bugs was the only person who saw the panel start to open. Before the noiseless wall section was fully open, Bugs guessed that the newcomers were members of his own gun crew.

"Look out!" Bugs shouted. "We're covered by guys that are working for The Shadow!"

Two men sprang from the elevator. Bugs was right; they were members of his

outfit. They had come here, wondering what was keeping Bugs. Finding out, they did their best to change the situation.

Like Bugs, they didn't reckon with the ability of The Shadow's agents.

Having been told about the elevator panel, the agents swung to meet the invaders.

Guns spoke. Harry Vincent beat one mobster to the shot. So did Cliff Marsland, another agent, stationed just inside the doorway.

Cliff was reputedly a tough guy, known as a killer in the underworld, which he patrolled for the real purpose of supplying information to The Shadow.

Cliff had stayed in the background to avoid recognition. His range was more difficult; but it didn't matter. Cliff was even quicker with a trigger than Harry.

In dispatching those shots, however, both gave opportunity to others. The two thugs who had been trapped with Bugs, made maddened dives. One reached Harry; the other grabbed Cliff. Though unarmed, they put up a hard struggle.

Even Claude Ondrey came to action. He made a grab for Clyde Burke, third of The Shadow's squad. Wrestling with the reporter, Ondrey had temporary advantage, thanks to his weight. Everyone in the room was in a struggle, except

Bugs and Maude.

Bugs didn't rush for the girl. He'd seen too much of Maude's nerve when she had taken things over on her own. Instead, Bugs dived for the elevator, reaching it behind a barricade of strugglers. The men who had launched forth were sprawled on the floor. Bugs cleared them with a bound.

By the time Maude was able to train her gun on Bugs, the panel went shut.

The shots that she fired merely ruined the decorative woodwork that concealed the slit in the secret door.

Maude couldn't even reach the wall. She was jounced about by the brawlers.

Forgetting Bugs, she turned to aid The Shadow's agents. By that time, they had matters in hand.

Harry and Cliff had beaten down the thugs; Ondrey was backing to his chair, with Clyde's automatic poking his fat stomach.

When Maude gave the details of Bugs Hopton's flight, it was too late to pursue the squinty mobleader.

OUTSIDE the Bubble Club, Bugs found the remnants of his gun crew. He decided that he wouldn't risk a counterattack on Ondrey's office. It would be too risky; furthermore, Bugs knew of someone who might need important aid.

"Listen, guys," he told his outfit. "The big-shot in this racket is Pinkey

Findlen. With him is a fellow named Slick Thurley, who looks like a dick named Bill Quaine. So don't let that fool you, when we meet up with them.

"They're calling on a guy named Jondran; and that's where we're going.

I'll slide in there first, and you lugs be ready when I call for you."

It wasn't far to Jondran's mansion. The street was silent; Bugs opened the

gate and sneaked his five-man crew in among the shrubbery that lined the inner side of the big wall.

Approaching the front door, Bugs rang boldly. He had his gun pocketed by the time a servant appeared.

"I'm here to see a guy named Findlen," began Bugs. "He's in talking to Mr.

Jondran."

The servant looked blank. "There's a dick with him," added Bugs. "A headquarters guy named Bill Quaine. I'm a friend of his."

"You're a detective?"

"Sure! See this badge?" Bugs whipped his coat back, flapped it quickly.

"That fixes it. Let me through."

The servant hadn't seen a badge; but he attributed that fact to the darkness. Obligingly, he let Bugs through, pointing out the way to Jondran's study.

Bugs reached the anteroom. He saw the grilled gate; it was wide open.

Beyond, he observed the two men he had come to see: Pinkey and Slick. They had opened the main door of the vault, and were just finishing the combination of an inner barrier.

They didn't even hear Bugs enter. The inner door came wide; the room lights showed an empty space backed by a brick wall. Bugs heard Pinkey voice an

oath.

"Jondran's stalled us!" rasped the big-shot. "This vault is empty! It ain't even a vault. It hasn't been finished. Wait'll we talk to Jondran. He won't get nowhere with this stuff!"

Pinkey turned about, growling for Slick to do the same. They saw Bugs; Pinkey came up with his gun. Recognizing his own gun, Pinkey lowered the weapon. Angrily, he demanded:

"What're you doing here?"

Hurriedly, Bugs explained how matters had gone bad at the Bubble Club.

That was all Pinkey needed to know.

"Jondran must have got wind of it!" he grated. "A wise guy, huh? Thinking he's safe because we haven't got the dame. We'll show him how safe he is! Come along!"

Pinkey strode to the door of Jondran's study; thrusting it open, he faced the big desk. Jondran was behind it; hearing the clatter, he raised his head.

Pinkey expected to see a terrified face. He was disappointed.

Jondran's pose of fear had been a mask. He had dropped it, after bluffing Pinkey.

HIS face stern, Jondran eyed the invaders with a sharp, defiant gaze.

Pinkey strode three paces forward, started to lift his gun.

It was a murderous gesture; but Pinkey didn't intend to rub out Jondran just yet. Maybe Jondran knew it, for he smiled.

"You're coming through with that dough, Jondran" - Pinkey's rasp meant business - "and you're coming through quick! Next time you stage a bluff, make sure you've got something to back it!"

Jondran did not budge. Nor did Pinkey's gun rise farther. The big-shot saw

the full reason for Jondran's calm. The gray-haired man was not alone. Pinkey hadn't noticed that at first; nor had his companions.

For the form near Jondran's desk was immobile: a statue that might have been carved from solid ebony. That figure was cloaked; upon its head rested a slouch hat. Against the blackish background, Jondran's protector would have passed unnoticed, except for a sound that issued from his lips.

That tone was a taunting laugh: a quiver that brought shuddering echoes from every wall; a mirth that rose amid the crackle of the flames in the fireplace. The flickery glow showed other features of that living shape in black.

Pinkey faced the burn of brilliant eyes that peered from beneath the hat brim. Below those brilliant orbs, he saw the twin muzzles of two automatics trained straight toward the doorway where he stood.

Pinkey found his voice. He spat the name: "The Shadow!" But the racketeer's words were weak.

They were drowned by the strident challenge that came from The Shadow's own lips!

CHAPTER XXI

FORGOTTEN CRIME

THOUGHTS were drumming through Pinkey's brain - thoughts that he didn't like. He realized that The Shadow had been here all along; that he had talked to Jondran while Pinkey and Slick were waiting in the reception room.

That was all part of the build-up for the pay-off that The Shadow wanted.

Jondran had cooperated, by telling The Shadow about the unfinished vault.

A neat game. One that ought to have forced Pinkey to quit. Perhaps it would have, if Pinkey hadn't caught a sudden brain wave. He realized that he still held a threat.

That threat was the envelope in Pinkey's own pocket: the one with the evidence incriminating four men who were important in Jondran's big business enterprises.

And Jondran had overplayed the bluff. He had chucked the other envelope in

the fire!

With that deed, Jondran had destroyed the only evidence that could save his huge corporation. He had evidently made the gesture to strengthen his bluff. No wonder; he had The Shadow with him. But he'd given Pinkey an opportunity.

If Pinkey could only get out of this tight spot, he would still be able to

bring Jondran to terms.

Slowly, Pinkey backed away from The Shadow's guns. He tried to make his retreat seem a fear inspired action; but all the while, Pinkey was remembering that he had two men with him. He could depend on Slick and Bugs; and he knew that Bugs had a gun crew in readiness.

But that wasn't the only way in which Bugs counted. Bugs was dumb enough to be what Pinkey termed a "fall guy;" which meant that Bugs would bear the brunt when The Shadow attacked.

Almost at the door, Pinkey made a sudden sidestep. He grabbed Bugs, who was on his left. Making a gesture with his own gun, Pinkey shouted:

"Get The Shadow!"

Bugs lunged forward. He was aiming as he came; but his shot never reached The Shadow. A big automatic spoke; Bugs went sprawling, his own gun toppling at

an angle toward the floor. He served one purpose, though, in that mad endeavor.

Pinkey was out through the doorway before Bugs fell. Wisely, the big-shot had ducked behind Bugs.

As he scrambled across the anteroom, Pinkey found a man beside him. He gave hurried approval:

"Good work, Slick! You made it, too! Come on - give a yell for the crew and we'll go back after The Shadow!"

The mob was coming without call. They had heard the sound of gunfire.

They

were piling in through the front door, all five of them. Pinkey pointed them toward Jondran's study, giving the only shout that was needed:

"The Shadow!"

Thugs saw the Shadow at the doorway. His guns began to boom. They were joined by other shots that came from the front of the house.

Crooks sprawled, their guns unfired. The few who turned, writhing from the

floor, saw Inspector Joe Cardona heading a squad of detectives!

The Shadow had turned this house into a trap, letting the law decide the final issue!

THAT wasn't going to save The Shadow. Not if Pinkey knew it! He had reached a corner, hauling Slick with him. In the mix-up, Pinkey saw his chance.

He aimed straight for The Shadow, pulled the trigger of his gun.

The bullet missed.

Pinkey was toppling when he fired, twisted by the impact of a bullet. Who had fired that shot, Pinkey could guess. It hadn't been The Shadow; he was busy

with the last of the thugs.

Somehow, though, The Shadow had known that Pinkey would he handled; for he

had not bothered with the racketeer.

While his wild shot echoed, Pinkey rolled on the floor. He dropped his gun; clamped his hands against his side. He heard The Shadow's triumphant laugh; then stared up to see eyes that were glowering down at him.

It wasn't The Shadow who stood above Pinkey; it was Joe Cardona.

Pinkey's eyes were glazing; but they took in more. He saw Slick Thurley with detectives grouped about him. Pinkey snarled his contempt for Slick's surrender:

"So you're yellow, Slick -"

Another face came into view. It was that of Giles Jondran. The gray-haired

man took no delight in the fact that Pinkey was mortally wounded; but the big-shot didn't want Jondran's sympathy.

Pinkey hadn't managed to finish The Shadow; but he could fix Giles Jondran.

"You thought you pulled a fast one, Jondran," coughed Pinkey. "But you didn't. These bulls have got me; but I'll live long enough to make you squirm!"

Propped on one elbow, Pinkey pulled the big envelope from his pocket, thrust it into the hands of Joe Cardona.

"That's evidence!" gulped the racketeer. "I'm telling you that in front of

witnesses. When you get evidence, you've got to use it! Screwy, ain't it? But that's the way the law works."

Cardona gruffed a stolid query: "Want me to open this, Pinkey?"

"Yeah" - Pinkey's voice came with a spasm - "open it - look it over. I want to see Jondran, when you do -"

Cardona pulled the papers from the envelope. He spreads them in front of Pinkey's eyes. Those eyes went wide, not from the approach of death, but from sheer amazement that made Pinkey forget the finish that soon awaited him.

This was not the evidence that Pinkey wanted Cardona to have! These were the other papers: the negative evidence: the batch that Pinkey thought Jondran had tossed into the fire!

It wasn't imagination. Jondran had actually destroyed an envelope. But the

one that he had burned was the one that Pinkey intended to keep. Only one man could be responsible; Pinkey's gaze rolled in his direction. Blood flecked Pinkey's lips, as he coughed:

"You - you have double - crossed-me, Slick!"

There was a negative headshake from the man that Pinkey had mistaken for Slick Thurley. For the first time, Pinkey noticed that his sidekick was not a prisoner. Enlightenment dawned, when Pinkey heard the statement:

"You weren't double-crossed. I'm not Slick Thurley; I'm Bill Quaine!"

FLAT on the floor, Pinkey stared upward with bulging-eyed gaze.

Recollections were throbbing through his numbed brain. He remembered how Slick had spotted someone in the alley outside the hideout. For the first time, Pinkey knew what had really happened.

Slick had encountered The Shadow there, in the dark. After the one swift blow, it was Slick who had sprawled on the cobbles. But there had been another man there also, waiting with The Shadow. That man had been Bill Quaine.

The Shadow had turned crime's own game full about.

Bill Quaine had rejoined Pinkey, to play the part of Slick Thurley!

Together, they had looked at a stunned snooper, and Quaine had been smart enough to keep Pinkey from seeing that the flattened man was Slick!

Pinkey remembered how Quaine had loitered in the elevator at the Bubble Club; how he had strolled into the hallway outside Jondran's reception room.

Those had been chances for Quaine to contact The Shadow; to learn what was needed.

In Jondran's study, Quaine had coolly replaced the batches of papers in the wrong envelopes. Pinkey hadn't been watching him when he did it, for the big-shot had never guessed that Quaine was not Slick Thurley.

Clutched by the final agony of his death wound, Pinkey knew who had delivered it. The Shadow had left that task to Quaine, in case of emergency.

The pinch had come; Quaine had delivered.

Standing men eyed a silent figure on the floor. The motionless form was all that remained of Pinkey Findlen. The racketeer had died in the throes of those final thoughts.

A sound stirred the stillness; it was like a knell, that mirthless laugh that betokened The Shadow's departure.

The rest was easy for the law. Crooks at the Bubble Club were taken into custody, Claude Ondrey among them. Slick Thurley was found, bound and gagged in

a place where The Shadow had left him.

Funds from Ondrey's safe were identified by Jondran; they were placed in Jondran's unfinished vault, with detectives on guard. All those details were completed by midnight - the hour when Beth Jondran came home with some friends.

Beth found her father in the study; with him was Maude Revelle. The story that Beth heard did not entirely surprise her. She had already recognized that Maude was a girl whose friendship had no limit.

And Maude knew, in turn, that she had found a lifelong friend in Beth Jondran. Maude could have wanted no better reward from The Shadow.

AT that same hour, The Shadow was alone in his sanctum. Beneath the bluish

light rested the list that he had made early in his campaign against recent crime. Five names composed that list:

"Thumb" Gaudrey

"Pointer" Trame

"Long Steve" Bydle

"Ring" Brescott

"Pinkey" Findlen

That list, however, had changed. Through the name of Pinkey Findlen, The Shadow had stroked a long line, that marked the obliteration of the racketeer, himself.

A whispered laugh stirred the black-walled sanctum, as The Shadow replaced

the list within the folder that bore the stamped symbol of a hand.

One finger of that hand had been obliterated. It was the end of one phase of the work. Not even The Shadow knew how very soon he was to meet another of The Hand; how soon he would again have to meet the challenge of these racketeers

The Hand would reach across The Shadow's path once more; and then another time, and still another, before that symbol would be wiped off The Shadow's record!

THE END