WHO KNOWS WHAT EVIL LURKS IN THE HEARTS OF MEN?

They died quickly, one after another. First was Joel Caulkins, "Wise Owl" reporter with the New York Classic, murdered just as he was about to name his executioner. Then came Philip Farmington, millionaire and international banker: dead of a poisoned cigar. The list grew daily as each of the victims received a note warning of his impending death, signed by the killer: "Double Z".

Clearly, Double Z was a man of his word...a gamesman with a zest for killing and a homicidal sense of humor. But the only laughter these days was the eerie echo of THE SHADOW, master crimefighter on call for the most challenging case of his career.

Originally published in SHADOW Magazine, Volume II, Number 5, June 1932.