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THE PURPLE DRAGON A Doc Savage Adventure By Kenneth Robeson Originally published in DOC SAVAGE Magazine September 1940 A Complete Book-length Novel by KENNETH ROBESON Could even Doc Savage best this master trick- ster who short-circuited the minds of men? Chapter I He disappeared one night from a A KIDNAPING small Colorado town, where he had been a local citizen for ten years, and he was not THE vanishing of Hiram Shalleck did seen again. No one in the little Colorado not get the attention it should have received. town associated a newspaper story that broke in Chicago some days later with Hiram Shalleck, and no one dreamed that he played 2 DOC SAVAGE a role in a rather weird affair that received ON the night he vanished, two men nation-wide notice not long afterward. Hiram appeared at Hiram Shalleck's lunch wagon, Shalleck's disappearance naturally coming openly, driving an old touring car. It occasioned some comment, and the sheriff was only ten o'clock, but already most of the and other peace officers made discreet town was asleep. The arrival of the two men inquiries, but learned nothing that they was not noticed. considered particularly significant. One of the men got out of the car One thing which the sheriff of the and went inside. He was a small man, Colorado town discovered in the course of excellently dressed, and a pencil-thin his investigation was that no one could recall mustache decorated his upper lip, while a hearing Hiram Shalleck mention anything green silk handkerchief was tucked in his about his life previous to the time he had breast pocket. The man walked to the appeared in Lamar—the town was Lamar— counter, stood there, and when Hiram turned ten years before. Although voluble and well- around, the man held a gun in his hand. read on current affairs, Hiram Shalleck had Hiram's eyebrows lifted, but shunned all reference to his earlier history. A otherwise his stolid features showed no stocky, broad-shouldered man, blue-eyed emotion. "If this is a holdup, you're in for slim and fair-haired, Hiram Shalleck had pickings," he said. "There ain't ten bucks in appeared in Lamar, carrying a battered the cash register." suitcase, his arrival creating no comment. The small man's thin lips split in a Little notice had been taken ten years ago humorless smile. "Still the same old kidder, when Hiram Shalleck purchased a lunch aren't you, Joe?" he said conversationally. wagon and opened it for business. He got "No, I ain't down to ten-buck holdups yet. little trade at first, but after a while his lunch Close this flytrap and grab your hat. We're wagon served as a hangout for schoolboys, taking a little trip." and parents never had any cause to Hiram's big shoulders went up and complain. Hiram with unfailing good humor, down. "My name's not Joe, and I don't know kept any spirit of rowdiness to a minimum, what you're talking about," he said flatly. "But and would not allow even an adult to take an you've got the winning argument in your intoxicating drink in his place. hand." The sheriff was a thorough man—he "You were always smart, Joe," the found that the lunch wagon was locked other chuckled. He emphasized the name securely, that there was even some small Joe, and his small eyes twinkled, as if over change in the cash register. Hiram had some secret joke. occupied a small sleeping room at the rear of Hiram said nothing more. the lunch wagon. Clothes were hanging Methodically, he finished straightening up, so neatly in a small closet and in a small the place would be ready to open in the bureau; there was no sign of disorder. There morning, for Hiram Shalleck did not yet know wasn't a single personal item in the room to that he would not see his lunch wagon or show Hiram Shalleck had a living friend or Lamar again. relative—or enemy—outside of Lamar. The street outside was deserted. There was one strange thing—but When they reached the car, the driver looked the sheriff didn't pay much attention to it. up from under a slouch hat. "Any trouble, Shalleck evidently was a great Dude?" he asked lazily. admirer of a man named Clark Savage, Jr., The dapper little man chuckled and known as Doc Savage. He had clipped a again. "The big mutt doesn't know what's great many newspaper and magazine ahead of him. He was gentle as a lamb." articles relating to Doc Savage, and had Hiram Shalleck might have tried to several books the latter had written. The get away then, but had no chance, for Dude sheriff, of course, was convinced Shalleck jammed his gun hard in Hiram's ribs, forced could have had no real connection with Doc him into the rear seat of the car. The driver Savage. But the sheriff was wrong, said nothing more, but seemed to know surprisingly wrong. where he was going, for he headed south, taking the road toward Springfield and the open prairie, and, once outside the town, increasing the car's speed. They drove THE PURPLE DRAGON 3 almost ten miles, then turned west on a road that was little more than a trail, bumping along for a mile or so. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * DOC SAVAGE AND HIS PALS Wherever big-time criminals rear their heads, wherever trouble breaks in a big way—there you'll find Doc Savage and his pals on the job. They think fast; judge fairly and shrewdly; hit hard. Doc was raised from the cradle for his unique job of righting wrongs, punishing evildoers, getting a break far the underdog. He's one of the worlds most skilled surgeons, and many a seemingly hopeless criminal has undergone an operation in Doc's up-state "college" to emerge as a useful citizen with no knowledge of his dark and vicious past. A leader has to have the right followers to get things done. And here's Doc Savage's unusual staff: HAM.—Brigadier General Theodore Marley Brooks, if you want to be formal. He's a clever lawyer, a terrific fighter. He has a sword-cane tipped with a sleep-producing drug that he uses with effect when the going gets tough. MONK.—He looks like a gorilla. Yet a letter addressed to Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Blodgett Mayfair would reach him. He's a slam-bang fighter who enjoys hard going, and although he doesn't look it, is a chemist skilled in all the subtle secrets of the laboratory. RENNY.—He's at the top of the engineering profession, this Colonel John Renwick, and he hasn't hands like a quart pail for nothing; doubled into fists, they've put a period to many a fight. LONG TOM.—He's a veritable wizard in electricity. And don't ever think he can't fight, just because he looks delicate. JOHNNY.—William Harper Littlejohn is the archaeologist and geologist of the group. He's a fitting member of one of the greatest groups of altruistic adventurers ever met, anywhere! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "More than that," the pilot added, and Then they reached the plane. It was there was something like awe in his voice standing on the flat, rolling prairie, far enough suddenly, awe mingled with fear, as he from any house that its arrival and departure added, "You're going to meet the Purple would not be noticed. Dragon." Two men appeared from inside of the plane and strolled forward; one evidently being the pilot, while the second held a HIRAM SHALLECK was tied firmly to sawed-off shotgun. a seat, and the plane took off. Strangely "Get out!" Dude ordered. enough, some of the worry had vanished Hiram got out and the man with the from his features, and, instead, he looked shotgun put aside his weapon while he tied puzzled, and confident, also. "I don't know Hiram's hands behind him. Dude spoke to what you're talking about," he declared. "You the driver of the car. He said. "You know can't scare me with silly talk about a Purple what to do. Drive to Dallas, sell that car, then Dragon. What the hell do you think I am, a meet us as planned." dope? And besides, I know a guy named Doc Hiram could stand it no longer. "W- Savage. Friend of mine. Ever hear of him?" where are you takin' me?" he asked thickly. "Doc Savage!" Dude jeered softly. "To meet an old friend of yours," "Just who would he be?" Dude said. 4 DOC SAVAGE Hiram Shalleck's jaw dropped. "You in the center of a large room. There was a mean to say you never heard of him?" thick carpet on the floor, but otherwise the "Sure, I've heard of him. I was room was bare of all furnishings. kidding you," Dude said scornfully. "I have He could not see where the light heard a few mentions of him. But that false came from at all. It appeared to seep from alarm couldn't help you." the ceiling and walls. "Evidently you don't know Savage," Directly in front of him, some fifteen Hiram Shalleck said. feet away, was a raised platform. Peculiar The guard with the shotgun stirred curtains, seemingly of asbestos, shrouded uneasily. "Shut 'im up, Dude! Him talkin' this platform. These curtains were drawn about that guy Savage gives me the creeps." aside suddenly by invisible hands. And in the Dude laughed, but his eyes same instant a sheet of flame burst forth. narrowed. "Savage won't know nothing about The flame roared directly at Hiram this," he said harshly. "And even if he did, he Shalleck. He felt its hot breath on his face. couldn't do nothing about it." He opened his mouth to scream. His mouth Hiram Shalleck's blue eyes glowed remained open, his blue eyes terrified and stubbornly. "You'll see," he said. "You'll find horror-stricken. out that Savage—" For then he saw the Purple Dragon! "Shut up!" Dude snarled. "You talk Dude was crouched outside the too much, Joe." He opened a bag and took room where Hiram was held. There was a out a hypodermic needle. look of fear in the little man's eyes, but he Alarm showed on Hiram Shalleck's seemed held to his spot by some irresistible flat features as the needle was jabbed into attraction. his arm. He opened his mouth to say Sounds, strange sounds, came from something, but the words were kept back by inside the room. Perspiration gathered in big a hand jammed over his mouth, and after a drops on Dude's forehead, to roll unnoticed time he went to sleep. down features that gradually grew white. He never knew how long he slept or Then Dude could stand it no more. where the plane took him—in fact, his As if fighting a power stronger than himself, memory of many things ceased at that he raced away from the door, made his way moment. He did know when he recovered to the darkness of the night outside. consciousness. He was in complete Dude considered himself hard. darkness, and at first he thought he must be Others did, also. They had seen Dude asleep in his own bed in the back of the murder with no more feeling than he lunch wagon, for he had suffered no ill effects displayed in killing a fly. But now Dude was at all from the drug that had been given him. sick. He was very sick. Then he knew that was wrong. He was seated in a chair. He tried to move. It was then he first felt panic. He wasn't tied in Chapter II any way, but his muscles refused to obey THE DEAD LIVE AGAIN him. What he didn't know was that he had HIRAM SHALLECK awoke to find he been given a second hypodermic injection, was suffering a terrific headache. His mouth one that had brought him back to had a terrible taste, and for a time he lay consciousness, but which acted like an quiet, suffering. Slowly his temper began to injection of spinal anaesthesia, deadening his rise. muscles so he could not move. It undoubtedly had been some party A few minutes later, he thought he the night before. Everything indicated that. had gone crazy. His eyes opened slowly, only to close again as the bright glare of sunlight brought even more pain to his head. THE light came first. It came slowly But the one look had been enough. and faintly—hardly noticeable at all to begin He was in a hotel room some place, but it with. It was a purple light. wasn't a room he knew. From all indications As it grew stronger, Hiram Shalleck he must have left the bunch he'd been with, could make out that he was seated in a chair THE PURPLE DRAGON 5 left his own gang, then mixed with strangers. That made him feel half-dressed. He They'd given him a knockout drop, probably hadn't gone without that rod for years. In fact, had rolled him, then put him to bed in a it wasn't safe to go without it. strange hotel. For a moment he thought of calling He got out of bed painfully and one of the boys, of having a gun sent up to started toward clothes that were strewn over him. Then he remembered that he didn't a chair. He didn't get there. He turned even know just where he was. instead, and made a dive for the bathroom. But it wasn't that which stayed him He was terribly sick for a while, but then he as much as it was the thought of how the felt better. mob might laugh. And he didn't like ridicule. Wavering a little, he returned to the He should be able to get out O. K. and get a clothes. A puzzled look crossed his flat face rod without letting anyone know of the fix he as he examined them. The clothes weren't was in. his. He'd never seen them before. In fact, He looked at his hands. They were they were of a style he wouldn't be caught trembling slightly. It wasn't altogether from dead in, knowingly. These were blue serge, the hangover, he decided, but a drink would cut on conservative lines. He preferred do him good. clothes you could see coming, with slash He slipped out of the hotel and found pockets and wide-flaring pants cuffs. he was on State Street in Chicago. That He felt in the pockets. There was a didn't surprise him. He'd known all along that small roll of one-dollar bills. That was all, no he was in Chicago. Somehow the street letters, no keys—nothing to prove his looked a little unfamiliar, but he couldn't tell identity. at first why it seemed changed. He knew Scowling, he started to dress. It must exactly where he was, knew he was within a have been some party, he decided. He only block of a favorite speak-easy. remembered parts of it. But there had been He'd walked half of that block before one exceptionally pretty girl present. He he realized what it was that made things remembered that, all right. A faint smile seem different. He stopped, and perspiration tugged at his lips. Called herself Marcella. began to come out in beads on his round, flat His smile broadened. He intended to see face. He felt sure he must be going nuts. Marcella again. It was the automobiles on the street He turned toward a mirror to adjust that were different. They were radically his tie—and, halted in amazement. For a different. They weren't like the cars he'd seen moment he stood perfectly still, too surprised the day before, certainly weren't like his own to move. Then he leaned forward, stared high-powered job. These were lower, sleeker unbelievingly at what he saw. models. The face reflected in the mirror was His mouth was dry, his eyes staring. his face, all right, no question about that. But Something was wrong. it wasn't the face he remembered from the Hiram Shalleck almost ran the rest of day before. There were lines in it he'd never the way down the block and around the noticed before. He seemed fuller, fatter, corner. He needed that drink, and needed it someway, and not as hard as he had been. badly. When he got to the state where he He shrugged finally, and turned saw autos different from what autos should away. He'd have to see a barber, get a face be, then he must be very close to where he'd massage. That was the answer. He'd just be sent away to spend the rest of his life been on too many late parties, had been cutting out paper dolls. drinking too much. Sure, that was all. Unheedingly, he brushed other But just the same a faint uneasiness pedestrians from his path. He barely saw gripped him, a strange feeling of something them. He paid no attention to women's wrong that he couldn't down. indignant stares or men's muttered curses. He dived through open doors, raced to a bar. "A strong one, Mike. Make it a ONE familiar thing was missing, he double," he gasped. noticed, as he completed dressing, and that He drank two in rapid succession worried him also. His gun and shoulder before he saw it wasn't Mike behind the bar. holster were gone. His eyes narrowed, he glanced around 6 DOC SAVAGE warily. Then his eyes closed and his features "Never heard—" Hiram Shalleck paled. choked. His flat face became crimson. He "Another one, quick," he said, and said several words never heard in polite his voice sounded strangled. society. "I suppose you never heard of Cautiously he opened his eyes and prohibition either," he concluded with broad looked around again. He merely confirmed sarcasm. what he had seen the first time. "Not recently," the bartender returned A stranger was behind the bar. The without interest. He picked up Shalleck's bar itself was entirely new to him. There were empty glass. "Want another, or do you want new fixtures, there was a sign in the window to go on telling jokes?" advertising drinks. The bartender broke in on his thoughts. "That'll be a dollar five," the HIRAM SHALLECK closed his eyes. bartender said. He kept them closed for a long time. Hiram Shalleck was fumbling in his Cautiously, so the bartender wouldn't see pockets before he remembered that he didn't him, he took hold of one leg, and pinched, have to pay for drinks—not in this section of hard. Then he winced. He felt it all right. That town, anyway. Mike might have bought new proved he wasn't asleep, that he wasn't equipment, might even have a new having a nightmare of some kind. bartender, but that didn't change things any. Still with his eyes closed, he signaled "Put it on the cuff," he snarled. for another drink. The bartender was a short man with He wasn't asleep and he wasn't a big belly. He had a round face that had crazy, he assured himself desperately. But if been soured along with his disposition after that was true, then what the hell was the many years of listening to other people's matter? troubles. He didn't change expression in the Usually, with several drinks under his least. Still looking sour he reached down, belt, he could recall everything that had came up with a battered baseball bat, one happened to him the night before, no matter ordinarily used to pack down ice. how drunk he had been. "It's still a dollar five, chum," he That was another funny thing. This repeated. time he could only bring up dim flashes of Hiram Shalleck swallowed hard, what had gone on. There had been a big moved his big shoulders. The bartender party. He knew that. A lot of his friends had waved the bat. Hiram Shalleck changed his been there. He was sure of that, also, mind, reached for the one-dollar bills in his although for some strange reason he couldn't pocket. seem to recall just which ones of the boys This fresh bartender would learn had been present. soon enough he had made a mistake, He shook his head, opened his eyes, Shalleck told himself fiercely. But at that, he grabbed the drink in front of him and gulped it hadn't been in this speak for some time; down. maybe he'd better try and find out what the "Another," he said thickly. score was before he got tough. Everything "Cash," the bartender returned had been so strange. tersely. "When'll Mike be back?" he growled. Hiram Shalleck dug for cash. The bartender shrugged. "Don't The last drink was doing something know what Mike you're talkin' about, chum," to him. He could feel the hot liquor coursing he replied indifferently. He rang up a dollar through his veins, roaring in his head. five on the cash register. And suddenly he knew that he Hiram Shalleck felt his temper should be afraid! getting away from him in spite of himself. His eyes snapped open, he looked "Mike Peacock, the mug that owns this around fearfully. He was alone in the saloon, place," he half shouted. with the exception of the bartender. He The bartender's sour face became breathed a little easier. even more acid. "Never heard of him," he How could he have forgotten, he said shortly. wondered, no matter what had gone on. He should be in hiding, he shouldn't be running THE PURPLE DRAGON 7 around town like this. For all he knew he'd who cared, anyway? Had this smart punk of already been seen, would walk into a spot as a barkeep tried to pull some trick on him? soon as he left the speak. He started to bellow out angrily. Then he sighed with sudden relief. Quite by chance, his eyes fell on the date in Maybe that explained the clothes he wore, the masthead of the paper. His mouth stayed his changed appearance. His friends had open, everything seemed to swim about him. done that for him, had fixed him so he The date read: "August 1, 1940." wouldn't be recognized. Sure, that must be it. He laughed jerkily, from his sudden release from fear. HIRAM SHALLECK stood as though But just the same he would have to frozen, his eyes wild and staring. He stood be careful. Pinkle and Gunsey had friends there so long that the bartender began to who might try to square things for them. worry. This mug had acted like a nut ever Hiram Shalleck's blue eyes narrowed since he had come in. Perhaps he was as he thought of Gunsey. The little rat had getting ready to stage an insane riot. The actually cried and pleaded for his life, as bartender's fist closed over the end of the though that would do any good. Pinkle had battered baseball bat. had more nerve. He had still been cursing Shalleck paid no heed. Words were when a bullet crashed through his brain. coming from his numbed lips now. Mumbled That had been a clean job. Shalleck words that didn't make sense. thought with satisfaction. No one had seen "Nineteen forty. It ain't. It can't be. It him pick the two up. He'd actually made was nineteen twenty-nine last night. Twenty- Gunsey drive the car, had made the little rat nine. Forty. Twenty-nine from forty leaves take himself on his last ride. eleven." The bartender was looking at He thought that over for a minute. Shalleck curiously. He hesitated for a How could it have been 1929 last night and moment when Hiram called for another drink, be 1940 this morning? The answer was that then gave it to him. it couldn't have been. Shalleck didn't notice. He was He was insane. That had to be it. remembering things now. He was Either insane or not— remembering how the newspapers had put Shalleck stopped trembling. His eyes up another howl about gang rule when Pinkle became hard and shrewd. He looked fiercely and Gunsey's bodies had been found. at the plump bartender. The bartender took a Naturally, there was gang rule. Why firmer grip on the ball bat. not? And he was one of the big shots, or "Pullin' a fast one, huh, wise guy?" would be some day. Hiram rapped. "It won't work." He laughed Let's see, it must have been two mirthlessly. weeks since he'd taken Pinkle and Gunsey It was all clear now—or at least it on their little trip, but the newspapers still seemed to be. This was all a plant. were yelling about it. Everything had been a plant. Pals of Gunsey Shalleck grinned with pleased and Pinkle must have been behind this. It anticipation. He whirled toward the bartender. was all being staged to make him think he "Got a morning paper—the Trib or Herald- was crazy. Examiner?" he asked. He shoved his glass across the bar. "The Herald-Examiner ain't been "Fill it up," he roared. published since last year," the bartender One more drink and he'd get out of grunted sourly, "but here's a Trib." this place, duck out the back way, if need be, Hiram Shalleck paid no attention to then look up some of the boys. After that he'd the first part of the bartender's statement. He pay a visit to those who had known Gunsey grabbed eagerly at the newspaper the other and Pinkle, would find out who was behind all brought out from under the bar, scanned it of this. And after that— swiftly. His lips cut back in a hard grin. No Slowly, his face fell. There was easy death for those boys, like a bullet in the nothing there about gang killings. Most of it brain. They'd go out the hard way. Try to seemed to be about fighting some place in make him think he was nuts, would they? Europe or Asia. When had that started? And 8 DOC SAVAGE Hair rose suddenly on the back of his been. It hadn't been recently, he knew. It had head. His hand stopped halfway to his lips. been a long time ago. He thought frantically of the gun he should He looked again at the heavy-set guy have been carrying. The door to the speak and felt mild surprise. The guy was losing his had opened and closed. Two men had scared expression, was actually looking as if entered. he felt greatly relieved. He tried to keep his hands from Hiram Shalleck looked first at the trembling. Maybe this wasn't the payoff. man on his right, then at the one at his left. Maybe these weren't gunmen coming after He smiled with false joviality, then pounded him. the bar with his fist. Desperately, his eyes flashed to the "Hey, punk! Set 'em up for my two mirror back of the bar, caught the reflection pals here," he ordered. of the two men who had entered. One of The bartender hustled to obey. He those men had stepped up on either side of strained his ears to hear what would be said him. next. Shalleck's glass dropped from The thin, evil face of Gunsey turned nerveless fingers. It broke when it hit the bar, toward Shalleck. The little man held one spilling the untouched drink. He didn't even hand suggestively in a pocket. hear it. His eyes were bulging, his overtaxed "So we're pals now, are we?" he brain was trying to credit something that just sneered. "The last time we saw you—" couldn't be so. Shalleck interrupted with a nervous On one side of him stood Gunsey, laugh. "Just a little prank of mine," he whom he'd last seen sprawled beside a road explained swiftly. "You two know I wouldn't dead from two bullets in the brain. On the hurt you." other side stood Pinkle. And Pinkle also was Pinkle lifted his hat significantly. dead. There was a white bandage around his head. Hiram Shalleck's big shoulders lifted and fell in a sigh of pure relief. His last doubt Chapter III had been dissipated. He wasn't crazy—he GUNS SPEAK was just the victim of an odd string of circumstances. THE bartender's sour face was Gunsey and Pinkle undoubtedly puzzled. He looked at the two newcomers were going to try and take him for a ride. curiously. They paid no attention to him. Even that was all right. He'd figure how to get They were staring fixedly at the heavy-set out of that as time went on. It was enough for figure between them. the moment to know that the world was back The bartender thought he had never on its regular orbit. And that meant the seen a man look as scared as the heavy-set newspaper he'd just looked at must be a guy did. His features were bloodless, he was fake, also. It was still 1929. It couldn't be hanging on to the edge of the bar to keep 1940. from falling. "You guys sure fixed up a nice plant For the first time, the bartender for me," he said, and tried to make his voice noticed that there was something familiar admiring. "For a time you had me thinking I about the erratic customer who had downed was crazy. This newspaper was a clever drinks in such rapid succession. For that touch. Why, it even had me thinking it was matter, it seemed to him that he should 1940." recognize the last two men who had come in. Pinkle picked up the drink in front of Despite his sour expression, the him, sipped it slowly. "It is," he said calmly. bartender had his pride. His chief boast was Shalleck's mouth dropped open, but that he never forgot a customer's face. It only for a moment. Then he grinned weakly. bothered him that he couldn't identify these "That's O. K., Pinkle. Have your fun. But three. Sometime, some place, he was sure don't rub it in." he must have encountered them. Pinkle set down his empty glass. His A scowl creased his fat features as other hand came out of his coat pocket. he tried to think when and where that had There was a gun in the hand. He held it down low, hidden by the bar. THE PURPLE DRAGON 9 "My fun is just beginning," he said Carefully he set down the coke flatly. "Take it easy now, just like yuh told us glass, his sour features flabby, cold to do. Walk out without making any fuss. perspiration beading his face. We're goin' for a little ride." His memory had clicked now, and he Shalleck's blue eyes were feverish. almost wished it hadn't. The two little guys He turned toward Gunsey. The little man was who had come in last had looked like a grinning mirthlessly. A gun was in his hand, couple of gun punks who had been with the also. Cicero mob back in the '20s. They had been "You laughed when I begged for killed back in 1929. mercy," he gritted. "Let's see how you can Joe Mavrik, right-hand killer for Pal take it." Hatrack, the Big Boy, was supposed to have With Shalleck between them, the two been the one who had taken them on their gunmen eased to the door, moved swiftly to last ride. And Mavrik had vanished a few a car at the curb. days later. The bartender's sour features were Yet the third guy who had been at more puzzled than ever. He looked after the the bar, the one who had come in first, had three for a moment, started to go to a phone been Joe Mavrik. at the rear, then changed his mind. Two men who had been dead eleven What he'd seen and heard sounded years and the killer who was supposed to ominous. It had sounded like the old gang have executed them had been standing days, when killers picked their victims up in before his bar drinking together! daylight, took them for a ride and left their With legs that barely supported him, riddled bodies by the roadside. the bartender turned and lumbered toward But those days were past. This was the telephone. Weakly he called the police 1940, not prohibition times. station. When ghosts started drinking Nevertheless, there had been together, it was time to get help. something very, very strange about what he'd just seen. It might be the smart thing to call the JOE MAVRIK, alias Hiram Shalleck, police, to report what he'd heard. The was in a spot where he needed help, also. bartender scowled. That wouldn't be so hot, But for the moment, he didn't recall that. either. If he did that, the cops might think his The human mind can take only so saloon was a hangout for gunmen. much before it jumps the trolley. Joe Mavrik's If he could only just think where he'd mind had taken that much, and more. seen the three before. He was more sure It was some time before he was than ever that he had seen them sometime— aware of what was going on around him. either in person or their pictures on the front Then he found he was in the back seat of a pages of the newspapers. sedan. A little man was seated beside him, Absently, he fixed himself a coke, holding a gun tightly in his ribs. spiked it with a little lemon juice and gulped it Mavrik felt himself all mixed up. He down. What was it now that the first guy had knew that he was Joe Mavrik, that he was a asked him? Oh, yeah, he'd asked for Mike big shot in this town, and that he was being Peacock; seemed to think he owned the taken for a ride. Two men he had thought place. dead had caught him without his gun and he Again the bartender tried to think. was going to pay the penalty for Mike Peacock! There had been a guy around carelessness. by that name once, but hell, he'd been dead At the same time, another part of his for five years or more. mind seemed to be telling him that he wasn't Let's see, Mike had run a speak Joe Mavrik at all. He was Hiram Shalleck. He during prohibition days— ran a small lunch wagon somewhere, The bartender's eyes popped enjoyed a quiet, law-abiding existence. suddenly. Why, Mike Peacock's speak had He tried to figure that out, but finally been right where this saloon was now. And gave it up as a bad job. He couldn't even the first mug had thought it was still a speak, seem to remember the name of the town and that Mike owned it. That was crazy, where he had the lunch wagon, but he knew but— 10 DOC SAVAGE it was a long way from Chicago, and in a very nothing happen to his friends. Then he much smaller place. seemed to think he was in an airplane. His temples ached, and he felt as if After that, his face changed. It his brain were on fire. He felt dizzy, also, but became horrible to see, and his voice probably that was because of the drinks he dropped to a whisper. "The Purple Dragon! had had. And that was funny also, for usually The Purple Dragon that tears your mind he could handle three times as many without apart!" showing or feeling any effects from them. The driver had speeded toward a But then, again, it wasn't so strange. side street at Mavrik's first outbreak. There After all, while he was running his lunch was little traffic on the street. No one paid wagon he had never taken a drink. And he any attention to Mavrik's cries. had been running that lunch wagon for years. After a little, the driver turned around, Or had he? looked questioningly at the small man with He shook his head desperately. the gun. The small man nodded. Everything was going round and round. One "The nut-house idea is out now," he moment he was Joe Mavrik. The next he was said flatly. "This punk will start remembering Hiram Shalleck. That didn't make sense, but more and more." he seemed to be able to recollect events in The driver shrugged, turned the the lives of both. machine toward the country. His attitude He turned toward the little man at his became grim and businesslike. Joe Mavrik side. His voice was hoarse. "What's the relapsed into silence. He had no thought of score, Gunsey? Or are you Gunsey? Gunsey peril now, no fear of personal harm. is dead. So is Pinkle." His mind, he knew, was on the verge "Sure they are," the little man of figuring out the answer to all that had answered surprisingly. His voice was happened. He'd thought he'd had it a few smooth, almost soothing. minutes before, but he hadn't, quite. Joe Mavrik's voice rose to a shriek. He no longer thought of himself as "Then what is this all about? Where are you Joe Mavrik. He was Hiram Shalleck again. taking me? Who am I?" Slowly, piece by piece, he tried to fit together The little man did not answer. The what had happened. driver gave one quick glance behind him, He'd been kidnaped, had been taken then turned his attention back to the street on a mysterious airplane ride. That he ahead. He swerved under the El, passed two remembered. And then had come the Purple cars and stopped for a traffic signal. Dragon! Mavrik-Shalleck glanced about him Cold chills raced up and down his wildly. Directly opposite the car was a spine. He shifted his thoughts as quickly as bookstore. There was a picture in the he could. He didn't like to remember that part window, a picture of strong, bronzed of it. features. But what had happened afterward The sign above the picture read: was hazy. There had been a big party, it seemed, although that sounded ridiculous. GET THE LATEST DOC SAVAGE MAGAZINE. And a lot of his friends had been there. But no, they hadn't been Hiram Shalleck's Mavrik-Shalleck's eyes fastened on friends, they had been friends of Joe Mavrik. the picture. The eyes were blank for an After that he had awakened in the instant, then they flashed with sudden hotel. But how had he got to that hotel? knowledge. He was aware suddenly that the car "Now I know," he cried. "Get me to had stopped. He looked around curiously, Doc Savage! Take me to him right away!" then stiffened. The car was no longer on a main highway. It had been driven into underbrush WORDS continued to babble from along a secluded side road. And Pinkle, the his lips. They were strange words, for the driver, was turning around and looking at most part. He shrieked that Doc Savage was him. There was a gun in Pinkle's hand. his friend, that the bronze man would let THE PURPLE DRAGON 11 The driver looked at the little man care of him. The stake's too big to let beside Mavrik-Shalleck. "In the car?" he anybody stop us." asked quietly. The driver said nothing. He shivered "And mess up the upholstery?" the slightly. little man retorted. "Hell, no!" He punched Mavrik hard in the ribs with his gun. "Pile out, punk." Dazed, his mouth dry and hot, Mavrik opened a door, staggered outside the car. He knew suddenly that he was going to die, and he didn't want to die. He threw his arms up about his head, as if that would protect him from the bullets that were to come. "Don't! Don't!" he shrieked. Then he turned and tried to run, awkward and clumsy in his haste. The little man who had been in the back seat with him sighed resignedly. "I Chapter IV thought maybe he'd be different, but he ain't," A SPOTTER SPOTTED he complained. The gun in his hand bounced as it spurted hot lead. DOC SAVAGE probably should have Mavrik-Shalleck screamed just once been shivering. Certainly, anyone else would before he died. have been, in his place. Doc Savage was taking a shower. At least that's what he called it. The average THE little man put the gun away and person would have called it torture. went to the trunk at the back of the car. The shower seemed to have been Methodically, he changed clothes. Then he located in a giant icebox. Thick layers of ice got out a mirror, wiped grease paint and clung to the sides of the room. The make-up from his face. atmosphere was below freezing. He no longer looked like Gunsey. Water jetted from a spray overhead. Had Hiram Shalleck still been living, he The water couldn't have been warm to start would have recognized him now as the little with. It froze almost as soon as it struck the man who had taken him from the lunch floor. wagon at the point of a gun, the one who had Doc Savage stood directly beneath been called Dude. the spray. The ice-cold water bounced from Carefully, Dude Starg arranged the the bronze skin, plastered down hair that was green handkerchief in his breast pocket. only a shade lighter than his body. He "The only thing I regret is having to seemed to be doing his best to turn into a cut off my mustache," he grumbled human icicle. disgustedly. Seen fully clothed, Doc Savage did The driver also had removed make- not seem to have such a marvelous up from his face. After that he got a blanket physique. But now every lithe, smoothly co- from the rear of the car and went to Mavrik- ordinated muscle could be seen radiating Shalleck's riddled body. He rolled the body in power. Those muscles had been developed the blanket and, with Dude's help, carried it since childhood by a series of exercises that back to the car. had made the bronze man the most nearly "I still hope Doc Savage don't get perfect physical specimen of his day. wise to what's going on," the driver grunted. And the cold shower was part of the Dude Starg laughed shortly. "Forget training he submitted to, part of the long it," he rasped. "The Purple Dragon's job will rigorous process that had inured his body to be all done before that false alarm ever finds both heat and cold, had made it possible for out about any of this. And even if he did try to him to stand conditions that would have been monkey in—the Purple Dragon would take fatal to the ordinary mortal. 12 DOC SAVAGE (In these accounts of the exploits of giving him a puritanical look. Now he Doc Savage are recorded many things retreated toward the door through which he'd accomplished by Doc which should not be entered. "I'll wait in the office. I've got attempted by ordinary individuals. This ice- something there that will interest you." cold shower is one of them, and we wish to The bronze man nodded. A moment point out the possible danger in it to readers, later he stepped into a small dressing room who should not attempt it, at least, until adjoining the shower. He dressed swiftly. checking with their physician.—The Editor.) When he emerged he showed no signs of the terrific cold he had just endured. For there was nothing supernatural Doc Savage's headquarters about Doc Savage. His condition was the occupied the entire eighty-sixth floor of New result of untold hours of training and work, York's largest skyscraper. The bronze man training that had developed his mind as well moved now through sleeping quarters into a as his body until now he was recognized as laboratory that was the most complete in the one of the foremost leaders in almost every city. A few doors beyond was his main office. branch of learning. "The Mental Marvel" the Renny was seated in a chair, his newspapers called him. severe features more grim than usual. He He reached out a powerful hand, was holding a newspaper clipping in his turned off the overhead spray. Almost hand. instantly a door opened, a big man stepped Without a word he handed the in. He handed Doc a huge towel. bronze man the clipping. Doc glanced at it. The big man was fully clothed, but A low, trilling sound filled the room. his teeth chattered as he watched Doc Savage kick free from the ice about his feet, massage his body rapidly. RENNY did not seem surprised. The trilling sound seemed to come from every place in the room, yet from no one spot. Renny knew it was made by Doc Savage. It was the only sign Doc ever gave when anything unexpected happened. The bronze man was reading the clipping. The clipping was not a long one. It was from a Chicago newspaper. It said: ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD MURDER DISCOVERED The remains of a body identified as that of Joe Mavrik, once connected with the powerful Hatrack mob of prohibition days, was discovered today in underbrush along a Colonel John Renwick could stand a country road thirty miles north of the city. lot himself, but he was frank to admit he Mavrik, who disappeared in 1929, didn't like cold. Known as Renny to his shortly after the murder of two other friends, a famous engineer, he was one of mobsters, had been shot to death. Although Doc's five aids. little more than a skeleton remained, Renny towered a good six feet four. identification was made from a fragment of a He must have weighed at least 250 pounds. finger that still retained a section of skin. Bony monstrosities of fists dangled from the The slain mobster was once known ends of enormous arms. Renny was proud of as the right-hand man of Pal Hatrack, who those fists. One of his favorite tricks was to died recently in a Federal prison. Police had slam them through the solid panel of a heavy long believed Mavrik dead, but until today door. had been unable to uncover any real clue to "Holy cow, Doc, I still don't see how his fate. you do it," he complained. His face was At the time of his disappearance, severe, his thin mouth compressed tightly, Mavrik was being sought for questioning in THE PURPLE DRAGON 13 the killing of Gunsey Murphy and Pinkle citizens, capable of supporting themselves, Smith, two Cicero gunmen. and harmless to others. From the condition of the body the That is where the "college" came in. coroner said he believed Mavrik must have Dangerous criminals whom he captured were been killed at least eleven years ago, taken there. Doc's skilled fingers performed probably in revenge for the slaying of Gunsey brain operations upon them. and Pinkle. When they departed from the institution, all memory of their previous life Doc Savage looked up. Gold flakes had left them. Certain nerves had been cut, appeared to dance in his eyes. Those eyes isolating parts of their brains. Then they had had a peculiar, hypnotic effect. "What been re-educated. They had been sent back checking have you done?" he asked quietly. into the world under new names, freed from "I telephoned the sheriff at Lamar. all connection with their past. Hiram Shalleck disappeared a week ago. Doc Savage himself established The sheriff was curious, but I didn't tell him these men in business. He usually located why I wanted to know about Shalleck. What I them far from the scene of their original don't understand is why they think this crimes, safe from the danger of casual murder was committed eleven years ago," recognition by former associates. Renny complained. And, feeling himself responsible for The bronze man shrugged slightly. them, he endeavored to keep track of all who "Arranged that way, the killers know there will had undergone the "regenerating be little or no police investigation," he said operations." quietly. "Otherwise, had it appeared a recent A clipping bureau aided in this. All slaying, the mystery would have attracted too clippings referring to the men either under much attention." their new or old names were sent to him at "If it was Shalleck, and if it was a once. recent slaying," Renny said soberly. Joe Mavrik had been one of those Doc Savage did not respond. He who had tangled with Doc and lost. The turned to a telephone, called the Cook encounter had been in Chicago while Doc County coroner at Chicago. When he had been on another case, years before. identified himself, his questions were Doc had established Mavrik as answered readily. Hiram Shalleck, had provided him with the The bronze man's gold-flecked eyes money to open the lunch wagon at Lamar. were stern as he turned back to Renny. "Could anything have gone wrong so "Examination of the skeleton showed that Shalleck suddenly remembered he'd that Mavrik once underwent a skull been Joe Mavrik?" Renny asked hesitantly. operation," he said softly. Renny didn't think that anything Doc did ever Renny whistled. "Holy cow! Then it could go wrong, but it was the only possible was Shalleck. It was one of your graduates." explanation he could see for what had happened. "Could he have gone back to Chicago himself, and been recognized by DOC SAVAGE said nothing, but some hood that still would have been laying Renny knew what he was thinking. The for him?" bronze man took a great interest in what his Doc Savage considered for a long aids called "graduates" from a small, upstate moment, gold-flecked eyes thoughtful. "college" that Doc operated. "A severe shock might produce such Doc Savage did not like to kill, even a condition," he conceded. "In non-technical when fighting the most desperate criminals. language, such a shock might produce a He never did, unless it was absolutely short circuit in the brain, re-establishing necessary to save the lives of others. Yet contact with that portion which had been often he had captured men whom it would rendered inactive." have been dangerous to release. "A severe shock," Renny mused. He might have seen that they were "But nothing like that—" sent to prison. He didn't. He saw no reason He broke off suddenly. A howl broke why society should support these men when from his thin lips. He rose a good foot straight they might be turned into law-abiding up from his chair. 14 DOC SAVAGE HUGE, powerful hands caught him under the armpits, lifted him to his feet despite his weight. Renny whirled furiously, then gaped. Facing him was a hairy creature not much more than five feet tall, with long arms that hung below the knees. Tiny eyes peered from beneath shaggy eyebrows. The creature's squat, round figure appeared enormously powerful. "Holy cow, Chemistry!" Renny exploded. "If somebody's been teaching you There was a commotion behind new tricks, they'd better unteach them." Ham, and a second hairy figure eased into Renny rubbed the rear part of his the room. anatomy furiously. A roar of laughter came from across the room. Renny looked up belligerently. Standing in a doorway was a lean, slender figure dressed in the height of fashion. He twirled a cane in one hand. "Ham, were you behind this?" Renny roared. CHEMISTRY Renny might have been forgiven for his mistake. Chemistry was an anthropoid ape that Ham had picked up on a Central American adventure. And the resemblance between Chemistry and Monk was startling, except that Monk usually wore clothes. Chemistry waddled up to Monk, put a Ham, otherwise Brigadier General hairy arm around the latter's neck. Monk's Theodore Marley Brooks, tried to answer, but face got red as he tried unsuccessfully to free couldn't. Harvard's gift to the legal himself from the affectionate grip. Ham went profession, a noted lawyer, Ham was into another burst of laughter. speechless with laughter. The answer came "I thought you knew me well enough from an unexpected source. to know the difference," Monk said The hairy creature pulled himself accusingly at Renny. Monk, known formally erect. "Daggonit, Renny," he piped, "you lose as Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Blodgett a bet for me." Mayfair, had a thin, childlike voice when he "Monk!" Renny's features tried to set was embarrassed, and he was embarrassed in severe lines but he smiled in spite of now. One of the most famous chemists in the himself. world, he was sometimes overly sensitive "Yeah," Monk answered bitterly. about his resemblance to the ape family, a "Ham bet if I came in like this you'd make a fact that brought great pleasure to Ham. mistake, and you did." THE PURPLE DRAGON 15 The dapper lawyer controlled his window of Doc Savage's office. Through the mirth with an effort. powerful lens he was able to see everything "Monk owes me a dinner, theater that went on. tickets and has got to dig up a date for me," And he could tell what was said also. he explained gleefully. "He bet me that much Ears Dugan had once suffered from that you wouldn't mistake him for Chemistry. deafness. He had learned to read lips. That Getting the date will be the toughest thing for was why he had been picked for the job he him." was on. Renny suddenly remembered his As he "heard" Doc's decision, knew injured anatomy, and glared at Monk. "You'll that the bronze man and his aids were going lose more than that if you jab me with a to investigate Joe Mavrik's murder, he needle again," he threatened irately. laughed without mirth. Deliberately, he A sheepish grin spread over Monk's compressed the telescope, put it away and homely face. "But it wasn't a needle," he made his way to where he could descend explained. "It's a new chemical I fixed up, stairs to the street. His job was done. one that gives the 'hot seat' instead of the There was a cockiness in his attitude 'hot foot.'" as he went on his way. The "boss" paid off Renny started to reply. Doc's calm well for jobs that were done right. And this voice interrupted. one couldn't have been done better. "If the horseplay is over," the bronze Doc Savage wasn't so tough after all, man said quietly, "we have some business to Ears Dugan decided. And if he tangled with consider." the Purple Dragon—well, no one could tangle with that, and win! THE bronze man gave Monk and Ham a brief digest of what he and Renny had Chapter V learned. AN ODD CONFESSION "Daggonit, Doc," Monk said. "It sounds like something for us to mix into. EARS DUGAN should have stayed There might even be some fighting." on the job for a few minutes longer. If he had, "But no girls were mentioned," Ham he probably would have been surprised. But put in slyly, "so I don't think you'd like it." he wouldn't have known what was said in "There is just one odd fact I did not Doc's office after that, even if he had mention," Doc went on. "When I talked to remained. Chicago, the coroner told me the story of a Doc turned his back to the window. bartender there who had telephoned that he And when he spoke he used a tongue that had seen three ghosts. One of those ghosts few persons knew. He spoke in ancient was supposed to have been Joe Mavrik. The Mayan, a language he often adopted when other two were men Mavrik killed eleven with his aids and when he didn't want others years ago!" to know what he was saying. "It certainly seems that there may be "We have been watched," the bronze a lot more to it than appears on the surface," man said. "In fact, a watcher has been on the Renny put in sagely. job for three full days. But until now I did not "We shall see," the bronze man said. know why, so I made no effort to stop him. Two hundred yards away another Now it appears it is in connection with this man had been doing a lot of seeing. He was case." using a telescope to help him do it. Monk's eyes bulged. The hairy He wasn't a big man, and he was chemist rather prided himself that he had dressed in nondescript clothes. About the good eyesight. He had been looking out the only unusual feature about him was his ears. window, felt sure he would have noticed Those ears were twice as big as the ordinary anything unusual in the buildings near them. man possessed. And he had seen nothing. The ears had pointed forward as he "But how—" he blurted. peered through the telescope as if to help him "hear" what he saw. In one way, he did. For he had the telescope focused on the 16 DOC SAVAGE Doc gestured toward a small device Sid Lenner had been one of his on the desk before him. "A light refractory favorite "graduates." Lenner had shown more detector," he explained briefly. intelligence than the usual graduate. He had Monk gulped. It sounded simple. But developed into a valuable mechanic, had the hairy chemist knew better, even though been employed by Doc as engineer on the he could easily understand the principle bronze man's yacht. behind the device Doc had developed. Only a week before Lenner had been All light reflected from glass at an given leave to go on a fishing trip. angle is broken into varied wave lengths. "His wife called," Doc explained Light from an ordinary windowpane would tersely. "Lenner's skeleton was found by a give a far different result than that from a creek near Liberty, New York." prism of any kind. It was apparent the "Skeleton!" Renny's big fists opened detector Doc was using had been built to and closed as if he wanted to use them on spot reflected light rays that came from any someone. type of curved lens, such as that used in He could figure out the rest of the either a telescope or field glasses. Thus he story himself. Lenner's death also would be could easily learn if anyone was watching his laid to an old murder. office. Lenner wasn't his real name. He "As I say," Doc was continuing, "I once had been an important lieutenant for a saw the man three days ago and took steps New York crime ring—until he'd visited Doc's to identify him. He is easily recognizable by hospital. unusually large ears. Ham, you and Monk In investigating his case, Doc had follow him. Find out where he goes." found that Lenner was married. His wife had The pair raced from the room, left him when she had discovered he was a Chemistry with them. criminal. After Lenner had been rehabilitated, As Monk pulled on clothes hurriedly, Doc had seen to it that the wife was well Chemistry picked up a camera from a table. cared for, although Lenner never knew that Solemnly he put the strap around his neck. he had been married. "Daggonit, Ham," Monk complained. But naturally, when the remains of "If that ape's got to go with us, at least make the body had been found, the police had him leave that camera home. I'm sorry you gotten in touch with the widow. And the ever taught him to take pictures." police in this case, as in the one in Chicago, "Remembering some of the candid would think they were dealing only with an shots he's gotten of you, I don't blame you," old murder, would make no real effort to Ham responded loftily. "But he goes—and investigate. the camera goes." "There must be a link some place," Later, much later, Ham was to regret Renny said thickly. The big engineer had that decision. grown to like Lenner. As they sped for the high-speed "Leaner also was once connected elevator that would drop them to street level with Pal Hatrack," Doc reminded gently. in record time, giving them a chance to pick Renny frowned. Hatrack was dead. up the big-eared watcher, they heard Doc's He had died in prison. And he had been in eerie whistle. prison several years before his death. Monk wanted to stop. So did Ham. Why, then, would men who had been But both knew they had no time to spare. connected with him long years before be They raced on, Chemistry with them. getting killed now? Certainly, if Hatrack had In the office behind them Doc was wanted vengeance for anything, it would replacing the telephone receiver he had have been carried out before his death, not taken down a minute before. afterward. "Another one," he said simply. Hatrack had been one of the really Renny looked astonished. "You big shots of prohibition days. Some went mean another 'graduate' gone?" he asked even farther and said he had been what incredulously. fiction writers called a "crime czar," the brains Doc nodded, his gold-flecked eyes behind organized crime in all parts of the flashing strangely. "Sid Lenner," he said. country. THE PURPLE DRAGON 17 But even if that were true, it didn't "Lefty Worts disappeared eleven explain why men who once had been years ago this month," he snarled. "No trace associated with him should be put on the of him has ever been found." spot at this late date, particularly when these "Sure, he ain't been found," the other men had forgotten they ever had known agreed. A perplexed look was coming into his Hatrack and were leading law-abiding lives. eyes also. "But you're mistaken about the The big engineer shook his head in time, sarge. I don't know why yuh keep perplexity. saying ten and eleven years ago. It was last night. And the reason yuh ain't found Lefty's body is because we hid it. We dug a hole RENNY wasn't the only one who felt down in the basement and buried it." baffled. The sergeant on duty at the Forty- The sergeant bit his lips. He got up eighth Street police station looked as if he carefully from his chair, walked around the couldn't believe his ears. desk until he could reach out and grab the The sergeant was a beefy man. His cab driver by the collar. normal complexion was florid. Now it was Then he yanked the other erect. One dangerously red. calloused palm smacked hard against the "Get outta here with your fairy tales," cabby's face. After that he yanked the man's he roared. "I ain't got time to listen to pipe head back until he could look into his eyes. dreams just because you want to go to jail There was a peculiar look in those eyes. and get some free meals." The sergeant leaned forward, The man in front of the desk bowed smelled of the other's breath. All he could his head doggedly, but he didn't get out. His smell was garlic. He caught hold of the clothes were old, but clean. On his cap was cabby's coat, yanked it off, pulled up the pinned a cab driver's badge. sleeves beneath. The cabby's arms were "I'm tellin' the truth, sarge," he said dirty, but there were no betraying scars of desperately. "I killed the guy. I didn't intend hypodermic marks such as would have been tuh do it. But I did. Now I got to pay the the case if he'd been using dope. penalty." The sergeant came to a sudden The sergeant held himself in with a decision. His bellow brought two cops visible effort. He planted his elbows firmly on rushing from the squad room. the desk, thrust his chin forward. He said with "Lock this bum up for an hour or so," dangerous calm: he directed. "Jest tell that yarn once more, punk!" Then the sergeant called the The cab driver seemingly did not homicide department. recognize the threat. He worried his cap in his hands. "Like I told yuh, sarge. I was in the THE homicide dicks were skeptical Green Mill last night when this guy come in. also. But it was part of their job to run down He was gunnin' for me, see. And he went for every murder tip. They went to the place a rod. I just got mine out first, was all. I give it where the Green Mill once had opened its to him." doors to unwary suckers. The place had "The Green Mill," the sergeant said been turned into a bookshop. fiercely, "was a clip joint on Fifty-first. It's The proprietor protested, but the been closed for ten years, to my knowledge." dicks were firm. They went down into the "Sure, it's a clip joint," the cab driver cellar and went to work with picks and agreed. "But it ain't closed. When Lefty came shovels. in—" It was four hours before they found "Lefty!" The Sergeant forgot that he the body. Or rather what once had been a was going to keep his voice down. He body. Dental work identified it as having once bellowed. "Lefty who?" walked around under the name of Lefty "Why, Lefty Worts. Yuh know him," Worts. the cab driver said reasonably. After that the cabby was taken into a The sergeant's complexion got even squad room and questioned. He talked freely redder. That hadn't seemed possible. It was. enough. He even knew about the gun that had been found beneath the skeleton. 18 DOC SAVAGE The dicks reasoned he couldn't have whirl around and give Monk a dirty glare, known about that unless he really was telling mistaking him for the ape. the truth about the murder. But they were Chemistry really was taking pictures. mad just the same. For the cabby wouldn't Ham had seen to it that the ape got a admit that the killing had been back in 1929. foolproof camera. It was an expensive "It was last night," he howled. He gadget, but a good one. It was of the type repeated that many times. with an automatic built-in light meter and a Finally one dick thought to ask him universal lens. When Chemistry pointed it why he had confessed. The answer came as and pressed a button the picture was a complete surprise. snapped. And the ape had been trained to "The Purple Dragon told me to," the press a second button also, one that rolled cabby whimpered. The cabby became the the film up ready for another picture. picture of terror. Monk and Ham, with Chemistry To all questions about the Purple trailing them, made rapid time. Despite the Dragon he merely sobbed hysterically, "I handicap of Chemistry's picture-taking, they don't know! I don't know!" eeled their way swiftly through the crowd. Finally the dicks became convinced When they reached the vicinity of the that he either was telling the truth or was building where the watcher had been crazy. They inclined to the latter opinion. stationed, they separated. That is, Monk and The newspapers did, also. It was the Ham separated. Chemistry stayed with the consensus that the hackie's conscience dapper lawyer. finally had bothered him so much that he had Monk and Ham had worked together confessed to the ancient murder, but that at so often that there was no need to exchange the same time he had been canny enough to words on what had to be done. Each knew think up a yarn that would let him off on an the routine perfectly. Taking different paths, insanity plea. they checked side streets with the skill of Investigation of the cab driver long practice. revealed that he was known as Burt Wheeler. The hairy chemist was the one to But when his fingerprints were taken it was locate their quarry. There was no mistaking found that once he had been known as Al Ears Dugan. His nickname was too realistic. Spears. He had a record, but it wasn't a The huge-eared man was walking down Fifth lengthy one. Avenue. Even when he didn't think he had Only one significant fact was anything to be afraid of he seemed to slink contained in the record, and that was missed along. both by the police and the newspaper Ham was a block away. The dapper reports. But then, they hadn't connected the lawyer jumped suddenly as a hot streak of case in Chicago and the case at Liberty with fire seemed to course up one arm. He looked the cabby's queer confession. angrily at an oversized wrist watch he wore A notation by some police officer of on one wrist, and said several words that the late '20s had stated that Spears had hadn't been included in his Harvard course. been seen hanging around with some After that he stood silent for a moment, then mobsters known to belong to Pal Hatrack's started off at a dogtrot. He soon caught up Chicago gang. It wasn't known whether with Monk. Spears had been taken into the crowd or not. "You hairy relic of the Stone Age," he raged angrily. "If you don't quit experimenting on me—" Chapter VI Monk looked at him innocently. "I MONK FINDS A TRAP was just letting you know I'd found our man," he said plaintively. CHEMISTRY embarrassed Monk Ham said some more words, and when they reached the street in pursuit of the Monk grinned again. He'd lost a bet to Ham big-eared man. He wanted to take the picture not long before, but now he felt better. He of every pretty girl they encountered. caught Ham looking at the wrist watch, and This would have been all right, but grinned even more broadly. too often the girl so photographed would The "wrist watch" really was a communicating device, often used by Doc THE PURPLE DRAGON 19 and his men since an adventure long before. that shrug he would have recognized it. It Each "watch" could send and receive was one of the cute gestures that had microwaves that transmitted messages in attracted him when he had attended his last ordinary code by pulsations of heat against party. But Hiram Shalleck was dead. the skin. The girl got into a cab and gave an Monk wore a similar "watch." But in address. The cab sped away. Ham's case, the hairy chemist had dabbed Monk and Ham with their hairy chemical on the back of the "watch" so that companion also were in a taxicab. A hundred the first microwave received produced a feet ahead of them, Ears Dugan was in really powerful hot flash. another taxi. Ears seemed to be heading "I was just fixin' it so you'd wake up if uptown now. I ever had to signal you," Monk explained At Forty-second Street, Ears got out innocently. of his cab. His trailers did the same. Then the Ham glowered, then turned to bark at slinky-appearing man went down to the Chemistry. The ape had stopped to take a subway. The others followed. picture of another pretty girl. Ears didn't seem to know that he Neither Monk nor Ham noticed the was being followed. In fact, he didn't. But he subject of Chemistry's last photographic went through the usual tricks just the same. effort. If they had, they might have He would get on a subway, then jump off just remembered it later, when it would have as the doors closed. Then he would reverse saved them much trouble. But then, the girl his tactics, and wait until the last possible had dodged out of sight almost as soon as moment, then board a train and go to the the camera clicked. next express stop. Monk and Ham hurried on after the Even though he apparently was just big-eared man. going through routine moves, he might have shaken less experienced trailers. As it was, he had no luck. AS the hairy chemist and the dapper Finally, he evidently decided the lawyer vanished down the street, the girl who coast was clear. He boarded a downtown had been the object of Chemistry's attention express and parked himself comfortably stepped from the hallway into which she had behind a newspaper. Monk and Ham rode darted. downtown with him in the car behind. A figure that would have done credit Ears left the train at Chambers Street to any bathing beach was clad in the type of and strode confidently toward an ancient clothes called "smart." Large brown eyes office building. Without a backward glance he looked from under soft black hair. Red lips entered, walked up to the third floor. curved invitingly, and a dimple showed in one Ham, drifting ahead, saw him enter a smooth cheek. door unmarked by advertising. The dapper But only for a moment did the dimple lawyer grinned, motioned Monk to follow him. show. Then the girl's eyes narrowed, her red "Daggonit, he doesn't even make it lips set in a hard line. She walked rapidly tough enough to be interesting," Monk toward a corner drugstore and sought a complained. phone booth. "He probably thought he was dealing She did not identify herself when the only with an antediluvian mind like yours," phone was answered. She said Ham explained loftily. expressionlessly: "You were right—as usual. For just a moment the two paused Ears was spotted. The ones they call Ham motionless outside the door Ears had used. and Monk are on his trail." Chemistry watched them with interest Words sputtered swiftly from the showing in his small red eyes. The ape telephone receiver. The girl sighed wearily. "I carefully swung his camera so that it hung understand. I don't think Ears will be able to behind his back. shake them either. I'll carry out instructions." "We'll smash in, grab 'em, and make She hung up slowly, stood for a 'em talk," Monk whispered fiercely. moment motionless. Ham nodded. His face set in harsh Then she shrugged slightly and went lines. He reached forward, grabbed the back to the street. Had Hiram Shalleck seen 20 DOC SAVAGE doorknob firmly, then thrust it open swiftly. this afternoon. You are Dr. Constantine's The three smashed into the room. new patients. Now just sit down and he will And then they stopped. They be here shortly." stopped with looks of utter amazement on "Patients!" Monk and Ham gasped their features. Even Chemistry appeared the word in unison. surprised. "Of course" the girl said, pleasantly. This was the room Ears Dugan had "As you no doubt know, Dr. Constantine is entered. There was no question about that. recognized as one of the outstanding And there was no other door, no other authorities on the cause and cure of mental possible way in which he could have gotten delusions and—" out. The girl went on talking. Monk and But Ears wasn't there. The room's Ham no longer were listening. only occupant was an exceptionally pretty Ham was staring about the office girl, seated behind a typewriting desk. She blankly. Could he have been mistaken? Had was looking at them with startled the big-eared man really gone into another amazement. office? He shook his head. That couldn't be. Ham gulped with embarrassment. Was he really in need of mental treatment, For once, even his glib tongue failed to find then? It had to be that or— the necessary words. Monk's homely face Once more he glanced about the turned a dull crimson. office. It was equipped like that used by a Chemistry stared a moment, then professional man. A huge bookcase against jumped up and down, gibbering with one wall was filled with brown-backed excitement. Ordinarily, Monk or Ham would volumes. There were one or two straight- have paid attention to that. It was the ape's backed chairs and a soft divan. The walls regular welcome when he met someone he'd were bare, except for one or two pictures. seen before and liked. This time, no one paid Ham glanced at one of the pictures, any attention. casually at first then more intently for just an The girl apparently recovered first. instant before swinging his gaze away. "You were looking for Dr. Constantine?" she Monk was muttering, "We get into asked quietly. the office of a bughouse doctor. An' maybe Ham gulped again. "Dr. that's where we belong." Constantine?" he repeated uncertainly. "Is he Ham straightened to his full height, a big-eared man?" bowed politely. The girl shook her head, and now "I am afraid we are all mistaken," he she smiled faintly. Monk swallowed hard and said suavely. "My friend and I are not mental drew his features down into a scowl. patients. But on the other hand I fear we "We saw a big-eared man come in made an error in the office we entered. The here," he announced belligerently. man we seek is undoubtedly not here, so—" The girl shook her head with tolerant He turned toward the door. amusement. "I am sure you must be Monk looked at him bewilderedly. mistaken. This is Dr. Constantine's office. No When Ham changed tactics like that, he'd one has entered here for the last hour." discovered something. The hairy chemist "Daggonit, Ham—" Monk began. glanced around the room, and his jaw Some of Ham's usual aplomb had dropped. returned. One upraised hand stopped Monk's He was looking at the same picture outburst. "I am sure we are not mistaken," that had caught Ham's attention. The dapper the dapper lawyer said smoothly. "I don't lawyer caught Monk's arm, tried to pull him know just what is going on around here, or out the door. Monk jerked free. A bull-like just where you enter into it, but—" roar burst from his hairy throat. Then Ham stopped. He stopped "Daggonit, we weren't mistaken, because the girl behind the desk had risen, Ham," he bellowed. "There's a trick door was coming toward him, an expression of some place. The guy we want is lookin' at us solicitous concern on her pretty features. through that picture over there right now!" "Now, now, that's all right," she said Ham groaned. Desperately he tried soothingly. "I understand. I didn't at first, to yank Monk back. He was too late. although I had been told you were coming up THE PURPLE DRAGON 21 The false bookcase swung outward. desk, then tried to get out of the way of the Men poured into the room. More men rushed milling fighters. at them through the door behind them. The second man Monk kayoed knocked the desk over as he fell. The girl gave a faint cry of fear and pain as the edge AUTOMATICALLY, Monk's fists of the desk caught her across the toes. came up. He plowed forward swinging, a grin Monk stopped for just an instant. on his homely face. There was never any Whether he intended to go to her aid or not, mistake about it—Monk liked to fight. he never knew. He never had the chance. But even as he went into action, the Stopping was a mistake. It gave a tall, husky hairy chemist knew he had made a mistake. thug a chance to bring down his lead- Too late he realized what Ham's change of weighted blackjack. It caught Monk across front had meant. the top of the head. The dapper lawyer also had spotted The hairy chemist lost all interest in the watching eyes, peering through holes cut later proceedings. in the picture on the wall. But Ham hadn't Chemistry's fighting methods were gone off half cocked. He'd figured, and different. His two long, hairy arms swept out, figured correctly, that they'd probably walked grabbed a struggling victim in each arm, then into a trap. butted their heads together. The method was But Ham had thought also that they perfectly efficient—except that it left him no might get out of that trap if they pretended defense from the rear. He was the second they had been mistaken. Then they could casualty. have investigated more carefully, and have Red rage swam before Ham's eyes called for help if they needed it. Monk's as he saw Monk and Chemistry go down. He precipitate action had ruined all of that. put on a one-man riot that any Hollywood Their attackers numbered at least a producer would have given a swell fortune to dozen men. Most of them were armed with film. blackjacks. But his downfall was anticlimactic. Neither Ham nor Monk stood a He really knocked himself out. Jumping chance, even with the not-to-be- forward to hang a right on a thug who was underestimated assistance of Chemistry. But kicking Chemistry in the ribs, he tripped over if they knew that, they gave no indication of one of the men he himself had laid low. the fact. As he fell, his head struck the edge Ham's sword-cane was knocked of the overturned desk. At that moment from his hand before he had a chance to pulsations came from the oversized wrist unsheathe it. A hard-swung billy narrowly watch on his arm. Ham never knew it. missed his head. Renny was the one who was trying The dapper lawyer cast dignity to the to signal Ham. The big engineer was working winds. He dived forward, knocked the legs with a duplicate "watch" in Doc's office. from under two oncoming thugs, then Messages were sent by operating bounded to his feet, his back to a wall. His the stem of the "watch" much in the same arms darted in and out with astounding way a telegrapher operates his key. Renny rapidity, while his footwork would have done kept at his task for many minutes. Slowly, credit to any pugilist. perspiration began to form on the engineer's Monk was more direct in his fighting. brow. He leaped to meet the on-comers halfway. "Holy cow, Doc! I can't get an The first man wore a surprised expression as answer." a hammerlike fist caught him on the jaw, The bronze man had been reading a threw him backward against his companions. group of afternoon newspapers, seated The hairy chemist howled in delight, behind his desk. Doc's expression did not brought his left up from the floor and downed change, but his gold-flecked eyes whirled a second foe. peculiarly. Then came his undoing. The girl "It is possible that they are in one of really was responsible for that. When the the so-called 'dead spots' where the signals onslaught started, she had darted behind her do not reach," he suggested quietly. 22 DOC SAVAGE Renny nodded, but he was not man's socks, when a glance would show no convinced. He didn't believe Doc was, either. weapon was hidden there. Doc usually tried to spare everyone worry but The machine Doc was operating himself. And the "watch" signal device had broadcast a powerful, penetrating vibration, been proven efficient too many times. one that would pierce leaden walls even The telephone rang briskly. Doc radio waves would not answer. It set up answered, spoke briefly. His low trilling vibration only in the particular type metal sound filled the room as he hung up the concealed in the socks. receiver. And when that vibration was felt, "Another one," he said briefly. "Sid Doc's men answered, no matter where they Turley!" were, or what they were doing. They raced to Renny's huge fists opened and the nearest telephone or cable office, or closed. "Another graduate?" grabbed the fastest plane they could find to Doc nodded, without words. get them to where they could report in. It was "Dead?" Renny grated. a summons none would ignore. "Vanished," Doc replied. His low, Thirty minutes later two reports had pleasing voice apparently had not changed, been received. One came from Major but there was a note in it that brought the big Thomas J. Roberts. Long Tom, as he was engineer's head up sharply. Doc rarely used known, was using his electrical genius on a that note. When he did, the consequences gigantic power project in South America. The were usually bad for those who opposed him. second came from William Harper Littlejohn. Doc took more than a personal interest in his Johnny, the archaeologist of the group, was "graduates." He felt a deep responsibility for with a scientific expedition in far-off Asia. them. There was no word from Monk or Thoughts raced through Renny's Ham! And it was then the three men head. First there had been Shalleck, found appeared. dead in Chicago. Then there had been the skeleton found at Liberty. Now there was a report of a disappearance. And there was Chapter VII always the cab driver who had confessed the STRANGE CALLERS ancient murder. He too had been a graduate. Renny's glance fell on headlines of A WARNING light showed suddenly one of the papers on Doc's desk. in the panel above the doorway. That light did not flash when visitors came by the usual DRAGON FORCES CONFESSION method of the elevator; it showed only when OF ANCIENT MURDER someone approached the suite of offices by the stairway. "There couldn't be anything to that That there were three of them was 'purple dragon' theory," he said hoarsely. apparent at once. The photo-electric eye that "Holy cow, we know there ain't any such guarded the end of the hallway where the thing." staircase was located flashed that Doc did not reply for a moment, and information. And the men were coming softly Renny looked at him sharply. and guardedly. The bronze man apparently did not Renny moved toward the door. His notice. Instead, he walked to a small cabinet huge fists were knotted. at one side of the room, opened the doors. Doc still sat at his desk. The bronze Varicolored lights appeared as Doc pressed man had turned slightly, so that he had a several buttons. A low, roaring hum filled the clear view of the door. Other than that, he did room. nothing. Doc often permitted his men to work And then Renny really did feel worry. off surplus energy when he felt it would do He knew what Doc was doing. them good, let them handle situations alone, All the bronze man's aids wore even when he could have helped them. specially made socks. In the heels of those He was doing that this time. socks a small piece of metal was cleverly hidden. Experience had shown that even the most careful searchers seldom removed a THE PURPLE DRAGON 23 As Doc watched from the desk, the door swung open and Renny hauled in the men! The door swung open with startling And the man on the floor, the one swiftness. Three men fairly poured into the who was squealing, was Sid Turley—Turley room. whose wife had reported he had Renny leaped forward. His gigantic disappeared, and whom Renny had believed arms swept out, encircled the three from to have been another victim of the Purple behind. Despite their bulk, he heaved them Dragon. from the floor, shook them violently. Heads Turley scrambled to his feet. His thin banged together. face was scared, his eyes haggard. The two As quickly as he'd nabbed them, the men with him appeared frightened also. One big engineer turned loose. One of the three was Slats Murphy. Murphy, scarecrow-lean went to his knees, the other two staggered. with a face old beyond his years, had been a Renny caught the nearest by the coat collar, killer. Now he was employed in an spun him slightly so that he had a clear shot undertaker's. The other was Frank Long, the at the other's jaw, started an iron fist on a youngest of the three. Long, who had just bone-crushing journey. been starting his criminal career when he "Renny!" tangled with Doc, had developed into an Doc Savage did not speak loudly. excellent auto salesman. His voice was quiet and controlled as usual. But he didn't look like a salesman But Renny stopped as if frozen, his big fist now. He looked like a man who expected to suspended in midair. die at any moment. His usually good-natured, The man who had fallen to the floor florid features were drawn and set, his eyes was squealing in fright. "Don't let him hit us, evasive. Doc! Don't let him hit us! We came for Sid Turley scuttled across the room protection, not for a row!" toward Doc, casting apprehensive glances Renny's face turned red slowly. For over his shoulder at Renny. Murphy and one of the few times in his career he looked Long moved with him. abashed. "Yuh got to save us, Doc!" Turley He recognized the three men now. pleaded frantically. "It's goin' tuh get us if you They were three more graduates of Doc's don't. The same thing is goin' tuh get us upstate "college." that's got Monk and Ham." 24 DOC SAVAGE Renny's breath came in sharply, he A gun was jabbed almost into his leaped forward, huge shoulders hunched. ear. A second weapon was pushed hard into Steel fingers grabbed Turley by the neck, the back of his neck. shook him violently. "Stand still or we'll kill you!" Sid "Do you know anything about Monk Turley shrilled excitedly. "Doc, don't you and Ham. Where are they? What happened make a move or we'll blast the head off this to them?" big imitation strong man of yours!" Turley's face started to change color as he gasped for breath. "We don't know anything about 'em, DOC was still seated behind the except we were told they'd been caught," desk. For the moment he did not move, nor Frank Long put in hurriedly. did he speak. Gold flakes appeared only to "Take it easy, Renny," Doc advised move faster in his impelling eyes. quietly. It wasn't often the bronze man Renny took a deep breath. Slowly his conceded that he'd made a mistake. He did grip relaxed on Turley's neck. this time. "Now tell us what you know," the Doc had known from the time the bronze man said to Turley. three men had entered the office that they The little man rubbed his neck weren't afraid of being caught by the Purple violently. Deep marks showed where Dragon. He knew they had already seen the Renny's fingers had gripped. Purple Dragon. "Somebody's after us. The Purple Renny should have realized that Dragon's after us," he said hoarsely. "We got also, but the big engineer had been too to pay for what we did before we ever met worried about Monk and Ham to catch it. you." None of these whom Doc Savage "The Purple Dragon?" Doc prompted had sent from his upstate hospital ever softly. addressed the bronze man familiarly as Doc. Sid Turley nodded energetically. Nor did any retain the slightest recollection of "Half a dozen of us got warned. We was told his previous life. this here Purple Dragon that made that cab Yet almost the first words Sid Turley driver confess was going to get us too. We had said revealed the little man remembered was told that Monk and Ham already had his past. And from what Doc had deduced so been grabbed." far, whatever the Purple Dragon was, it did "And how were you told?" return the past to men who should never Turley glanced at Slats Murphy. The have remembered it. tall, funereal-appearing man spoke up, his Doc had halted Renny to begin with voice deep and impressive. "First by because he had hoped to obtain information telephone, then by a more frightening from the trio. But Renny had balked that by method," he intoned. his impulsive action in falling into the trap the Sid Turley added, "Somebody got to three had laid. us, each of us, last night, while we was And the three had been canny. They sleepin'. They put a mark on us, then had made no attempt to get the drop on telephoned today to tell us that showed just Renny while they were still near the door. how easy we was goin' to be to take." They undoubtedly knew that Doc's office was "A mark? Let's see it?" Renny moved equipped with many safety devices that forward. would have prevented their ever getting near Frank Long was the one who moved the bronze man. to obey. Long opened his coat and vest, Instead, they had waited until they pulled up his shirt. "Look here," he were almost on top of the desk. suggested. And they had been shrewd in Renny leaned forward to look. His another way, also. They without question had body was between the three graduates and known that Doc and all his aids wore Doc. bulletproof underwear, were immune from a And that, he found, was a mistake. bullet in the body. But no one, not even Doc, could be immune from a bullet in the head. THE PURPLE DRAGON 25 The guns on Renny were placed where they several powerful fans. The fine powder that would do the most damage. had been in the air soon vanished. "Come out from behind that desk. Renny knew what that powder was. Stand up and turn your back. Then strip!" Sid He had merely forgotten for a moment that Turley rasped at Doc. The little man's voice Doc might get a chance to get it from the had changed now from fear to exultation. equipment belt the bronze man always wore "If you don't, we'll be pleased to about his middle. A highly concentrated make a cadaver of this overweight punk," anaesthetic, it brought instant Slats Murphy promised solemnly. unconsciousness to anyone who breathed it. "Don't do it, Doc. Holy cow, don't do Doc's one word in Mayan had told Renny it," Renny pleaded, almost tearfully. what to expect. The big engineer knew now the error Both the bronze man and the he had made, knew the danger Doc was in. engineer had held their breath until the For he knew Doc would do anything to save anaesthetic had taken effect. the life of one of his aids. Renny turned toward the three prone There was only one thing to do, figures. "I really ought to throw these scum Renny decided swiftly. He'd jerk up, would out of the window, turning on you like that, meet his end like a man. That, at least, might after all you've done for them," he said give Doc a chance. vengefully. The bronze man saw Renny's Doc shook his head. "They were not muscles bunch. He spoke one word, swiftly, to blame," he explained quietly. "The same and Renny froze. The word he spoke was in thing has happened to them that has Mayan. happened to others. In some way their brains "What did you say?" Frank Long have been short-circuited, so that they have barked suspiciously. been returned as they formerly were." Doc did not reply. Calmly, quite as if "And were used in an effort to kill he did not know these men intended to kill you," Renny added spitefully. him when he was helpless, he got to his feet, "Instead of which, they may help," stepped away from the desk. Doc said. "Take them to the back room and Then he turned his back, removed tie them securely. " his coat and tie with quiet deliberation. Renny obeyed swiftly, carrying a limp The three gunmen were watching figure under each arm, with the third tossed him, fascinated. They had never expected to over one big shoulder. He knew what Doc get the great Doc Savage at their mercy so intended to do. The bronze man possessed easily. It just showed that even the best of most unusual powers of hypnotism. When them could be taken. the three recovered consciousness, Doc Doc appeared to have difficulty in would question them. If they did know loosening his shirt. It had a zipper up the anything, they would reveal that knowledge. front, and the zipper seemed to have stuck. The big engineer returned to the He tugged at it patiently. When the zipper did office as Doc finished re-dressing. come free, it shot up with unexpected speed, "Holy cow, the Purple Dragon must Doc's hand with it. really be afraid of you, Doc, to try this hard to A moment later, and a very fine, thin get you," he observed. haze seemed to be settling in the room. "I expect you are right, my friend. I None of the gunmen noticed it. really think you are," a strange voice The haze fell lower. Fine grains of interposed smoothly. powder dropped down on the faces of the Renny spun toward the door in three would-be killers. surprise. He had forgotten that door had It was only seconds after that when been left ajar. Now it was wide open. A the three gunmen dropped also. Their stranger stood there, face solemn and weapons fell from nerveless hands. They benign. themselves folded up limply on the floor. "Thanks, Doc," Renny said simply. The big engineer pulled erect, sped to a window, opened it, then turned on 26 DOC SAVAGE Chapter VIII "It really is a case for your talents AN EXPLANATION alone, Mr. Savage," he said convincingly. "A case where you alone might do better than THE stranger walked leisurely across an army of police." He paused, his smile the room. He was gray-haired, neither large becoming slightly uncertain. nor small, but with an air of assurance that Fielding Falcan took a long breath. "It could only have come from long contact with is this way. This man is a genius of his kind. I the public. Unusually heavy eyebrows, have known him for years. He is a master of undoubtedly artificially blackened, added to many arts. But recently, I am afraid, he has his dignified impression. become slightly deranged. A tragic death in "Allow me," he said pleasantly, and his family caused that. As a consequence he held out his card to Doc Savage. has set himself up as judge, jury and The bronze man did not even glance executioner over the lives of scores." at it. "Sit down, Mr. Falcan," he invited "You mean—" Doc prompted. calmly. "I mean that in some way he has "Ah, I see you know me," the other perfected a method that carries criminals smiled. "That will make my task easier." He back to the time and scene of their crimes. seated himself deliberately. And when this happens, he decrees death. Renny's eyes narrowed slightly. He "He is determined to rid the world of had recognized the other also, although he criminals who in some manner have had never met him personally. managed to cheat the law." This, then, was Fielding Falcan, once There was a long moment of silence. known as the most famous—or notorious— Doc Savage did not move. Only Renny criminal lawyer in the United States. Falcan leaned forward. apparently had dropped active practice in "It checks, Doc, it checks," the big recent years, at least his name hadn't been engineer said hoarsely. "That would explain in the headlines lately, but he was reputed to why your 'graduates' are being made victims, have a legal mind that even Ham respected. it would explain—" But Renny remembered, also, other "And what is this man's name, Mr. things Ham had said—that Falcan was not Falcan?" Doc asked politely. always careful how he used that mind, that Fielding Falcan sat up straighter in he had used it more often to balk justice than his chair. His face whitened slightly, but his to aid it. voice was firm as he spoke. "You spoke of having a task, and "His name is Grover Tiler. You will intimated it had to do with the Purple find him—" Dragon?" Doc reminded softly. The bronze Blam! man was completely relaxed in his chair, A terrific explosion came from a appeared almost indifferent. room far back among Doc's suite of offices. Fielding Falcan ran one hand An instant later came a scream. It through his unruly growth of gray hair and was a scream of mortal pain and terror. The laughed shortly. "A task I do not like," he scream was cut off almost at once. confessed, "since it has to do with a client. It was cut off by a second explosion, But this is one time I believe I must align one far greater than the first! myself on the side of law and order." Renny had moved the instant the Doc said nothing. His gold-flaked first explosion sounded. The big engineer eyes whirled peculiarly. was on his feet, and he was fast. But fast as "It is this way," Falcan went on, and he was Doc Savage preceded him. all at once he seemed slightly ill at ease. "I The bronze man was only a flash of believe I know who the Purple Dragon is—or motion as he sped toward the back room rather, who is behind the Purple Dragon. I where Renny had taken their three captives. believe I know his object. And he must be A faint acrid odor was in the air, the stopped, I know that. But I hesitate to turn odor of high explosive. Mingled with it was him over to police who might be brutal." He another odor—one that, once experienced, stopped, smiled winningly. could never be forgotten. The odor of fresh spilled blood. THE PURPLE DRAGON 27 The door of the room where the prisoners had been tied were shattered. The RENNY notified the police. As he did room itself was a shambles. so, he noticed that Doc had gone to his Doc paused briefly, Renny at his laboratory, that scientific workshop that was shoulder. The big engineer had witnessed the marvel of all who had seen it. much violence in his lifetime, but this was a Doc Savage was going into action. scene he knew he would never forget. Renny asked no questions as the Parts of three bodies literally two left the office, went to the street. It rarely plastered the walls, ceiling and floor of the did any good to ask the bronze man room. Whatever crimes Sid Turley, Slats questions. When he felt like giving Murphy and Frank Long had committed in information he would, but not before. But he the past were now atoned for. did try a feeler or so. "Return to the office and see that "If this Grover Tiler is the man back Falcan remains. I want to talk to him some of this, and he is trying to bring to justice more," Doc clipped. those who have escaped punishment, he's Renny was glad to go. But he found certainly making enough pay off," Renny the office vacant. Falcan had vanished. volunteered. The big engineer grabbed a The bronze man said nothing. Renny telephone, called the lobby of the office sighed. building. He was just too late, Falcan already "But it seemed to me this Fielding had left. Falcan acted suspicious also. Maybe he's Renny shrugged slightly. The just trying to put the blame on this guy Tiler." criminal lawyer could be found easily enough Doc walked steadily on, headed later. He returned to the scene of carnage. toward the restaurant usually frequented by Doc Savage had pulled the shattered him and his aids. Renny glanced at him slyly. door of the room back in place, and Renny "Then again—" he started. He flushed slightly when he realized the paused. meaning of that. Evidently, the bronze man Doc Savage had broken his even had wanted to spare his aid the gruesome stride, had darted forward suddenly, grabbing job of investigating that had to be done. a newspaper from a sidewalk stand. It was The job did not take long. the latest afternoon edition. Later, police experts were to spend The bronze man's low, peculiar hours going over the room, examining every trilling filled the air. scrap of evidence in an attempt to determine Renny leaped forward, looked over just what had happened. Doc's shoulder. His eyes grew large. His jaw Doc's trained senses solved the moved up and down but no words came. problem in minutes, not hours. He emerged On the front page of the newspaper from the room with several small fragments was a picture, a picture spread over four of of leather in his hand. the eight columns. "Whoever sent them here also The photograph apparently had been supplied them with special belts," he said, taken in prehistoric surroundings. There were and his voice had an unwonted sharpness. huge trees and tropical growth on all sides. In "Those belts were filled with explosive, the background was a cave, before which attached to some sort of timing device," the burned a small fire. Several hairy, swarthy bronze man explained. "The three men really figures were seated about the fire, too small were walking bombs. One bomb evidently to see clearly. went off first. In the instant before the other But there was no mistaking Monk two exploded, one of the victims had time to and Ham—that is, none of their friends could scream." fail to recognize them. They were in the "Holy cow, then whoever sent them foreground of the picture. here expected them to die as soon as they Hair, even more hair than usual, had killed us," Renny said shakily. covered Monk's apelike frame. An equal "Or expected us to be with them amount of hair covered the body of the when the bombs exploded," Doc pointed out fastidious Ham. Their faces looked dull, quietly. stupid, even bestial. 28 DOC SAVAGE Long tails were attached to the rear bushy eyebrows. A muffler was pulled up of the bodies. They were hanging from trees high around his neck, as if against the faint by those tails. Near them was Chemistry, chill in the air. also hanging by his tail. Occasionally Falcan would stop and The caption over the photograph glance behind him. Again he would pause read: and stare in a shop window, seemingly interested in the display. PURPLE DRAGON SHOWS WHAT Finally he smiled contentedly. He HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO OPPOSE HIS was not being followed, he assured himself. EFFORT TO RID WORLD OF CRIMINALS Falcan was an excellent criminal lawyer. But some of his former clients could The explanatory matter underneath have given him pointers on how to detect a was written in a kidding vein. But neither Doc shadow. He did not even notice the figure nor Renny found it humorous. that drifted along behind him on the opposite Briefly, it explained that the picture side of the street. had been brought to the newspaper by a The figure was not one to attract messenger who had disappeared at once. A attention even in the daytime. It was not note with the photo had explained it was from surprising the man was not particularly the same "Purple Dragon" that had made the noticeable at night. taxicab driver confess an eleven-year-old He was dressed entirely in black, the murder. clothes hanging from his slight but The newspaper article concluded: surprisingly agile body. Dark-colored glasses covered eyes that were mild and wore a The Purple Dragon explains that perpetual look of shy kindliness. In one hand these men were attempting to balk him in his was an ebony cane, but a cane evidently with announced purpose of bringing criminals to a soft rubber point since it made no sound justice. As a consequence, the Purple when it touched the pavement. Dragon had transported them back through Fielding Falcan stopped in front of a the centuries until they now not only large office building. It was not the building in resemble their earliest ancestors, but think which he had his own ornate quarters, but he and act as those ancestors did. seemed well acquainted with his surroundings as he slipped inside, took an "Holy cow, Doc," Renny expostulated elevator to the eleventh floor. violently. "We can't have this. We can't have Scarcely had he disappeared than anyone treating Monk and Ham that way." the black-clad figure of his shadow eased Doc Savage looked up slowly. There into the building. He also seemed to know was a peculiar glint in his gold-flecked eyes. where he intended to go. He laughed When he spoke, it was not as Renny had mirthlessly as he saw where Falcan had expected, but it did set the big engineer to signed himself as "John Smith" in the register thinking. used to record late visitors. His own name he "I believe," Doc said slowly, "that we signed as "John Jones." Then he took an will find there is far more behind this than just elevator to the twelfth floor. an effort to bring criminals to justice." Beneath him, Falcan was using a "I'd like to see that Fielding Falcan key to enter an office. The sign on the door right now," Renny exploded. His big hands read "John Smith." The black-clad man used were working. a key of his own to enter an office directly above. And the sign on that door read "John Jones." FIELDING FALCAN was evidently Once inside the office, the black-clad taking precautions that no one see him just at man moved swiftly. He stepped to a spot he that moment. seemed to know well, a spot that The gray-haired lawyer was slipping examination would have shown was exactly along a side street not far from Times over the telephone Falcan was using in the Square, but in a section almost deserted, office below. now that office hours were over. His broad- The rubber tip was pulled from the brimmed hat was pulled down far over his end of the ebony cane, and the cane planted THE PURPLE DRAGON 29 firmly on the floor. From the handle of the Vaguely, Ham was aware that cane came a small earphone, which the certain muscles along his spine were black-clad man pressed close to one ear. contracting and expanding. He knew Fielding Falcan made several somehow that this was what caused the telephone calls. He spoke swiftly and at swaying motion he felt. some length each time. Then he became aware that his Above him, the black-clad man position was even more unusual than he had smiled queerly. His mild, shy eyes held a first thought. When his eyes were fully open strange look. he was looking down at the ground, as if he Silently, he restored the ebony cane were hanging suspended that way. to its original form. A few moments later, he With an effort he twisted his neck left the building. around, looked behind him. Somewhere As he reached the street two men along the line, he found, he had sprouted a were passing. One held a newspaper, was tail. The tail was wrapped around a thick limb showing the other the jungle-scene picture of a tree. In fact, he was suspended in the air on the front page. by that tail. He experienced no surprise at the The black-clad man didn't seem like discovery. That seemed to be something he the kind inclined to mirth, but he laughed was accustomed to also. then. He laughed long and silently. Motion flashed above him in a nearby tree. Ham's teeth bared, a strange growling noise came from his throat. Chapter IX The growl was answered by one A PREHISTORIC BATTLE equally as fierce. A hairy figure with long arms swung down toward him. Ham felt his HAM was laughing also. At least he own arms reaching out, realized that he was was going through the motions, although his filled with desire to rend and tear with his mouth was twisted into a grimace more than teeth. anything else. And the noises that were Then the onrushing figure paused. A issuing from his throat hardly sounded different kind of noise came from it. A more human. mild, soothing noise. Ham felt strangely When he first heard those noises he complacent. For a few moments he rocked thought someone else was making them. It back and forth at a more rapid rate. took a long time for him to realize the sound And then he paused. Unintelligible, was coming from his own lips. queer gibberish rolled from his lips. His eyes Next he became aware of a swaying became small and blood shot. He tried the motion. That was peculiar also. He seemed same growls he'd used before. to be rocking gently back and forth, but when They were to no avail this time. he put down his arms and legs there was Another hairy figure swung from a nothing to support them. second tree, also hanging by its tail. And this Opening his eyes was quite a job, one was far bigger and more menacing- but he finally managed it. Even when he did, appearing than the first one Ham had seen. he couldn't see very well. Or at least he Tiny red eyes glared back at Ham hoped that was what was wrong. from under thick eyebrows. Huge hands on He apparently was in a forest of the ends of long, hairy arms flexed with some kind, but the scene wasn't a familiar hideous meaning. one. The trees were different someway, And this relic of the Stone Age was seemed more to resemble tropical growth making sounds quite as fearsome as those than anything else. The underbrush around coming from Ham. Actually, they sounded to the foot of the trees looked that way also. Ham even more terrifying. Dimly, far back in his brain, The big ape was increasing his something seemed to be trying to tell Ham swing. It would only be a moment or so that this wasn't as it should be. But another, before those powerful hands caught Ham by and seemingly more active, part of his brain the throat. Something told Ham that would be accepted it as something to which he was a disagreeable experience. well accustomed. 30 DOC SAVAGE He acted without conscious volition. His mind told him he was back in the Stone Age again! He twisted around violently, tried to In that moment he realized that the go the other way. He moved all right, but not huge ape he had tried to flee wasn't an ape just as he had expected. at all—or at least he wasn't supposed to be. His tail broke. He fell to the ground. It was Monk. And the smaller ape, That fall did something to Ham. It the one that had first moved toward him, was broke the nightmarish fever that gripped his Chemistry. brain. For a moment he was quite conscious. Ham lay quite still on the ground for a few seconds, trying to figure it out. THE PURPLE DRAGON 31 After his first real flash of thinking a little more clearly after he'd been consciousness, everything started to get severely jarred by a fall. mixed up again. Monk and Chemistry were If a shock had worked for him, why with him; they had all been knocked out in a wouldn't it for Monk? terrific fight; a pretty girl was involved in He moved forward toward the tree, some way. stumbled over a rock. After that he acted Then cold perspiration jumped to without conscious volition. His mind told him Ham's features. There was a Purple Dragon he was back in the Stone Age again. also, a Dragon that breathed real fire. There But his original instructions to his had been something horrifying connected muscles were carried out. He stooped down, with that Dragon some way, something that picked up the stone, hurled it hard and true. had torn at the mind. Ham tried to think just The rock struck Monk almost on the what it was. back of his head. It made a quite audible Growls came from his throat, he clunk. glanced around angrily. A short distance And intelligence flashed in Monk's away, but on a higher level, was a cave. A small, red eyes. The hairy chemist squirmed small fire was burning before that cave and around to see what was holding him up. around it stood several fur-clad figures. When he found it was a tail he caught hold of Huge, stone axes were in their hands. They the tree limb, pulled himself up until he could were looking at Ham warily. release that tail, then dropped to the ground. Ham felt that he should run. He was quite unprepared for the Something told him these men were his sudden, vicious attack launched on him by enemies. But another, stronger impulse told Ham. Monk acted instinctively—and him to stand fast. He threw back his head unwittingly did the best thing he could have defiantly, and more strange noises came done. from him. He swung a hard right to Ham's jaw. The fur-clad figures vanished hastily The once-dapper lawyer blinked; he inside the cave. started thinking again. "Greetings, brother of In some manner, Ham seemed to the Stone Age," he said solemnly. Then he know that this was a time before recorded doubled up with laughter. "If you could only history began. There were no cities, no see yourself. If you could only see how right airplanes, no civilization. There was only this I've been all along, how you really are a relic jungle that stretched endlessly in all of prehistoric times—" directions, filled with fearsome animals and "Why, daggonit, you ex-tailor's small men who swung stone axes. dummy," howled Monk. "If you're the one Ham looked up again at the figure of who got me in this fix—" the big ape swinging above him. For a He halted suddenly, face serious. A second time the brain cobwebs vanished. haunted, fearful look crept into his small red He began to laugh. He realized this eyes. Ham's laughter ceased as quickly. The had been what he was really laughing at lawyer darted quick, anxious glances around when he first became aware of his him. surroundings. Both were remembering. He'd always known Monk was related to the ape family. But until now he'd never known just how close that relationship MONK glanced cautiously at Ham. was. The hairy chemist appeared embarrassed, Monk appeared to understand that and very few things except feminine attention he was being laughed at. He made frantic ever embarrassed him. efforts to free himself, to get down to where "Daggonit, d-do you remember seein' he could wrap his long arms around his something that resembled a Purple Dr- tormentor, use those powerful hands on Dragon?" Ham's throat. Ham nodded. Ham sobered. Where they were, Monk sighed with relief. "Then I ain't what it was all about, he still had no idea. He quite as crazy as I thought. But—" He knew that his own brain was far from clear. hesitated, peering cautiously in all directions But he did remember that he'd started and lowered his voice to a whisper. There 32 DOC SAVAGE was more than a trace of worry in that voice. "Then we're not back in the Stone "D-did it make you afraid, too?" Age," Monk growled. Ham squared his shoulders. He gave "Of course not," Ham said scornfully. the impression of straightening a smartly He acted as if he'd known it all the time. tailored coat—but he wore no coat, he really "That is, maybe you are, but I'm not." wore nothing but a hairy fuzz. "An optical Ham glared defiantly about. His gaze illusion of some kind, a trick," he said, but his centered on the forest back of Monk. The voice lacked conviction. joyful light went out of his eyes. Involuntarily The hairy chemist shuddered slightly. he took a step backward. "M-maybe," he "T-there's more to it than that. T-that Dragon qualified weakly. seemed to tear into my mind, to do things to Monk spun, then halted, long arms me—" swinging about to his knees. The hairy "And there was a warning," Ham chemist wondered if this was a nightmare added swiftly. He seemed to have forgotten just starting, or if the whole thing had been a that only a moment before he had even nightmare. doubted the existence of the Purple Dragon. He wondered, too, just when he had "We were warned to stay out of the Purple been right—when he'd thought he'd been in Dragon's affairs, to let him administer justice the Stone Age, or when he had believed it as he wanted. If we didn't—" was all a put-up job. "—then we'd be put back to the Then he decided he might never same place where we are now and left here," know. Monk finished anxiously. His homely face Creeping through the jungle toward lengthened plaintively. them were two of the most vicious beasts he "W-where are we, Ham?" had ever seen outside a museum. In Ham shook his head. For an instant appearance they resembled the more vicious his eyes became cloudy again. "I . . . I'm not types of dryopithecus, believed by scientists even sure when we are," he confessed. to have been the forerunners of all There was a sudden clattering above anthropoids. them. Chemistry dropped beside them, Certainly it could not be the twentieth chattering merrily. He alone seemed satisfied century. No dryopithecus had been known to with his surroundings. He plucked curiously exist for thousands of years. at Monk's hairy tail. Monk paid no attention. He seemed trying to think. "I . . . I've heard superstitions CHEMISTRY was wise. He took one of people moving back and forth in time," he look and swung up swiftly into the nearest muttered. "D'you suppose we've done that, tree. somehow?" That should have been tip-off Ham shuddered. With an effort he enough for Monk and Ham. It wasn't. But that brought himself erect. was because they were still confused as to "You've always been basically what century they were in. prehistoric," he snapped. "And I don't like that Instead of taking to the trees, they era." looked around for weapons. Two flimsy- A sudden howl came from Monk. appearing clubs were all they could find. Ham looked up, startled. Chemistry was They grabbed them eagerly. dancing around excitedly. In his hand he held Monk didn't wait for the dryopithecus the tail that had been attached to Monk's to bring the fight to him. And that was hairy figure. another error. He gave a shrill yell of anger "Daggonit," Monk howled. "Sometime and charged in. Ham probably would have that ape is going to go too far—" He halted, more sense, but it never had been Ham's crimson showed beneath his hairy face. habit to let Monk fight alone. Ham roared. "Chemistry does you a He gave his imitation of how a favor and you don't know it." The lawyer's prehistoric ape should bellow going into spirits seemed to have soared. "Now we battle and followed Monk. know we're not nuts. This is a put-up job. The dryopithecus didn't even pause. That tail was hooked on to your body with They came on as relentlessly as two wire. Mine is, too, I expect." machines. Monk's club went up, came down THE PURPLE DRAGON 33 in a tremendous blow that should have There had been something almost too broken the animal's back. smooth about the gray-haired criminal The club broke, instead. lawyer. Monk gave a yell of dismay, turned Fielding's office was in one of the to run. Ham tried to do the same. They were towering buildings on Forty-second Street. too late. And this one had the name, "Fielding Falcan, The beasts swarmed over them, Attorney-at-law," on the door. pinned them to the ground. But Falcan wasn't there. A clerk was, It seemed only minutes after that however. before Monk reared up, fully conscious The clerk sighed with relief as Doc again. To his surprise, he found Ham also and Renny appeared. "Mr. Falcan told me to sitting erect. wait here until you arrived," the clerk Ham was dressed in his usual, explained. "I was afraid that you might not impeccable style. Monk found that he also put in your appearance tonight." was fully clothed. Renny cast a surprised look at Doc Standing before them, a damp cloth as the clerk handed the bronze man an in her hand, was the pretty girl they had envelope-inclosed message. This certainly found when they had entered the downtown didn't look as though the criminal attorney office in pursuit of Ears Dugan. A solicitous had anything to hide. expression was on her face. The bronze man's expression did not Monk glanced around hastily. He and change. He scanned the message swiftly, Ham were seated on the floor of that same handed it to Renny. The message read: downtown office. Ham's features were clean- shaven. There was no trace of the hair that I am sure that you will want more had covered it. information after the affair at your office is The homely chemist's senses reeled. settled. In case I am not here, I trust this will He'd never passed out in his life before, but serve. he felt as if he were going to do so now. The man I named, Grover Tiler, The girl noticed it. She stepped whom I sincerely believe to be behind the toward him swiftly, ran the damp cloth across Purple Dragon, is a recluse, and a wealthy his brow. recluse. His home in the Catskills is guarded "Now, now," she soothed. "Both of by many mechanical devices, but I feel sure you just remain quiet. I am afraid you have you can reach him if you so desire. had a severe attack of the type of mental I do ask, however, that you avoid illness with which you are afflicted. Only a violence, if possible. Tiler is a client of mine, moment ago you each seemed to think you and he has been my friend. But if you do were fighting some animals. Before that, you want my help in any other way, do not thought you were fighting a crowd of men." hesitate to call on me. Ham's jaw dropped, and remained Fielding Falcan. that way. The girl gave his brow a swipe with the cool cloth also. Accompanying the note was a well- "Do not be alarmed," she said softly. drawn map showing the location of Tiler's "The doctor will be here any moment now. I mountain home. am sure he can help you." "Express our thanks to Mr. Falcan," Doc Savage told the clerk. "And tell him I believe this will be all the aid we need." Chapter X "Do you think we'll find Monk and AN UNEXPECTED WELCOME Ham there?" Renny burst out as they sped to the street. DOC and Renny wanted to help Doc did not answer at once. Instead, Monk and Ham also. But they were he hailed a cab and gave an address, "The handicapped by not knowing just where to Hidalgo Trading Co. wharf." go. Renny had expected that. Few knew But Doc did not veto Renny's it, but Doc Savage was the Hidalgo Trading suggestion that they call on Fielding Falcan. Co. And the big warehouse on the Hudson 34 DOC SAVAGE contained a great deal of equipment used by That would not have been the case the bronze man and his aids. had Doc noticed it, but Renny was using the They wasted no time now. Less than only infra-ray-type telescope, and the big half an hour later, they were on their way to engineer's attention was centered too much call on Grover Tiler. A trim autogyro, with on the house he'd seen. Doc at the controls, shot up almost silently "You hit it right on the dot, Doc," he through an opening prepared for it in the roof whispered. "It looks like an imitation castle. It of the trading-company warehouse. even has a stone wall and a moat about it." At an altitude of 5,000 feet, Doc cut Doc nodded. His keen eyes didn't on a powerful propeller, and turned the blunt need a telescope to make out the house. It nose of the craft to the north. stood out starkly against the horizon. With Another craft was also speeding in gyro blades fanning the air almost that direction—and with the same destination noiselessly, the bronze man drifted the craft in view. It was a speedy cabin plane, and had overhead, then slowly let it drop downward. taken the air a good hour before Doc and From the air, the grounds around the Renny got started. house had looked bare. It was only as they Besides the pilot, the plane carried came closer that they could make out a lawn two passengers. One was very dignified and almost covered with varied types of gray-haired. The other was small and nattily shrubbery. dressed, with a green handkerchief in his Renny signaled Doc to the right and coat pocket. Their air was grim and the gyro dropped silently to the only landing businesslike. available—a small cleared space behind a garage. When the gyro touched earth it was completely hidden from the house by that THE autogyro did not have the garage. speed of the cabin plane. But Doc had For a moment both the big engineer selected the gyro because neither he nor and Doc Savage sat perfectly still, listening. Renny knew exactly what type of landing Only a few bird noises broke the silence. field they might find near Tiler's home. Renny was glad when Doc lifted up lithely, Besides, the gyro made their task dropped quietly to the ground. more simple if Tiler really did have his The bronze man motioned Renny grounds protected by burglar alarms or other back as the engineer moved to come devices. Doc could set it down almost alongside. From the equipment vest he wore vertically, and on a spot not larger than about his waist, Doc drew an object fifteen feet square. resembling a photographer's ordinary light More than an hour elapsed before meter. It was a light meter, at that—but not the bronze man signaled they were nearing for ordinary light. Carefully the bronze man their destination. Instantly, Renny went to swung this back and forth, first high, then work. low, and then from side to side. He pressed a button at the side of Even from where he stood, Renny the cockpit, peered through a telescope that could see the sudden flash of light that led down through the bottom of the autogyro illuminated the meter. For a moment Doc and could be turned in any direction. studied the dial, then he ducked far over, and No light appeared, but every detail of motioned Renny to follow suit. the terrain below showed up clearly in the The big engineer didn't have to ask telescope. questions. He knew what the device was, The device was utilizing infra-ray knew also that it had been perfected by Doc. beams, invisible to the eye, but which made It was the only known instrument, so far as the landscape clearly visible through the Renny had ever heard, that would detect and special glass used in the telescope. give warning of a photo-electric ray—a ray On a road far below, Renny saw an that, broken by a passing object, would automobile speeding swiftly toward a huge sound an alarm. house located on the top of a small Doc had detected such a ray leveled mountain. Renny thought nothing about that just about at a man's shoulder. By ducking, automobile at the time. The fact that he'd they had avoided it. even seen it soon slipped his mind. THE PURPLE DRAGON 35 They stepped forward more briskly There was only one occupant of the then, only to freeze motionless as sound living room. He was a long, slender man, came. It was sound to raise hair even on the dressed entirely in black. He was lying neck of a civilized man. The sound was the outstretched on the floor, one arm under his horrible hunting cry of the wolf. head as if he were sleeping—except that his "Tiler is clever," the bronze man chest showed no signs of breathing, and whispered softly. crimson was trickling from a dark spot on his "W-what was it, Doc?" breathed head. The crimson was forming an ever- Renny. widening circle. A note lay nearby. It read: "We evidently are not the only ones near," Doc explained briefly. "The cry of the TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: wolf was a mechanical one, so evidently it is I, Grover Tiler, being of sound mind, the alarm sounded when a photo-electric ray am ending my own life. But I would like to is broken." confess before I go that I have been the Even Doc Savage's exceptionally master mind behind the Purple Dragon terror. keen ears failed to catch the slightest hint of I know that Fielding Falcan suspects this, movement. Whoever had been responsible and has told Doc Savage of his suspicions. I for sounding the alarm evidently was thought I could be above the law myself and immobile, afraid to move. exact retribution from those who had But what Renny could not escaped punishment for their crimes. I think I understand was why there was no sound have done some good, but I also foresee that from the owner of the house, why Tiler didn't I might end up doing evil. I am taking this do something to show that he knew he had way out rather than face that prospect. If Doc unexpected guests. Savage finds this, I know he will be glad to A gray-haired man and his small, learn that his men, known as Monk and Ham, nattily dressed companion might have are soon to be released unharmed on my answered that question. But they weren't orders. talking. They were huddled far back under a Grover Tiler. big tree, invisible in the darkness. Renny shifted impatiently. If Monk "Holy cow," Renny rumbled. "Why, I and Ham were in this house, then the don't—" continued silence was more than ominous; it Whatever else Renny intended to might mean the likable chemist and dapper say remained forever unsaid. The big lawyer were beyond help. engineer never did know what Doc had seen Doc Savage must have had the that alarmed him. same idea. He said nothing, but he started Renny knew only that he suddenly ahead suddenly, and this time he moved seemed to have been hit by a bronze swiftly. whirlwind, a whirlwind that spun him around, With Renny at his heels the bronze then crashed him downward. His next man rounded the front of the house, raced impression was of falling, as if through toward the porch. Then his pace slowed. limitless space. Renny's breath came in sharply. After that he knew nothing. The front door of the big house was Still huddled under the big tree, gray- opened wide. Light streamed out from the haired Fielding Falcan and nattily dressed hallway inside. Dude Starg also felt as if they had been Only for an instant did Doc slow, seized in the hands of a giant. then he redoubled his speed, mounting the A terrific explosion broke the silence, steps with one quick leap. A moment more an explosion that re-echoed and and he was inside the house, heedless of the reverberated for minutes. fact that he might be running into a trap. The big house on top of the hill Renny caught up with him as Doc stopped at seemed literally to dissolve into space. the entrance to a large living room. Falcan and Starg were thrown a Whatever Renny had expected to score of feet backward by a gigantic blast of find, it certainly was not the sight that met his air. eyes. 36 DOC SAVAGE Whatever Renny had expected to find, it cer- tainly was not the sight that met his eyes! Bruised and torn, they staggered to Dude, calloused killer as he was, was their feet, stared wonderingly at the space shaken. where Grover Tiler's home had been. Even "The nutty son of a cook," he breathed. "First he bumped himself off, then THE PURPLE DRAGON 37 he left a trap so that he got Doc Savage and Monk and Ham whirled as if on a that big mug with him as well." single pivot. Three men were crowding in "At least he saved us the trouble," through the doorway. They wore the white Falcan said huskily. jackets and caps of hospital attendants. Two were carrying strait jackets. This time neither Monk nor Ham had Chapter XI to ask each other even an unspoken A STRANGE JOURNEY question. They had no intention of going to any asylum. THE girl, who finally had identified They leaped into combat so swiftly herself as Marcella Walling, nurse for Dr. that even the husky attendants had no Constantine, the outstanding alienist, stuck to chance. They were bowled over before they her story. knew a fight had even begun. Monk put his "You two, with this ape of yours," she full weight behind his first blow. The man he said—and for the first time Monk and Ham hit didn't even touch his feet on his journey noticed Chemistry still was with them, his across the hallway. Ham hit his man nearly camera around his neck—came bursting in as hard. The third victim was unfortunate. He here like madmen, insisting you were after a got hit by both Monk and Ham. man with 'big ears.' Then you went into your The pair didn't wait. Cops might be fit. I could only judge that you thought you on the way, for all they knew. They got out of were fighting, by your jumbled conversation, there fast. although part of the time you were making They were a dozen blocks away noises like animals. I'm no mental expert, but before they noticed the newspaper I am convinced you are in need of Dr. headlines. Constantine's services, whether you believe Those headlines told of the death of so or not. Will you sit down quietly and wait Clark Savage, Jr., and his associate, Colonel for him?" John Renwick. An unspoken question and answer passed between Monk and Ham. Each could read the doubt in the other's mind. Neither BOTH Monk and Ham had heard was sure that the girl wasn't correct. Too reports of Doc Savage's death before, and it many strange things had happened, and not wasn't until they read the story beneath the the least of these was to recover headlines that they became really alarmed. consciousness in the same room where they The account concluded: believed they had been attacked and knocked out long before, only to be told only So terrific was the explosion that not a few minutes had elapsed. even one sizable piece of Tiler's house has Ham looked at the girl gravely. For been found. And since eyewitnesses place the first time, she was showing nervousness. both Mr. Savage and Colonel Renwick in the That was easy to understand, if her story was home at the time, as well as the owner, Mr. correct. Who wouldn't be nervous, even a Tiler, there seems no doubt that all three nurse, if she thought she was alone in a perished. Authorities, searching for definite room with two madmen? clues, report the finding of several blood- "I believe, Miss Walling," Ham said splattered boards. These will be analyzed to gravely, "that we really should leave. determine whether the blood was that of Perhaps we will get in touch with your Dr. humans or of some animal. At a late hour the Constantine later." cause of the blast still was unknown. The girl did not seem to be paying attention. She was looking at someone or Monk went to a newsstand and something behind them. Ham heard the door bought several other papers. All had virtually open softly. the same story on the reported demise of "At last!" Marcella cried joyously. Doc and Renny. Fear left her eyes suddenly. "I thought you It was Ham who found the second never would come. Please take care of these article of interest. It was an editorial. He read two men before they become dangerous." it excitedly: 38 DOC SAVAGE In connection with the upstate blast "Look!" he said. "That date! It says that killed Clark Savage, Jr., and Colonel it's the fourteenth. And if you'll remember it John Renwick, as well as Grover Tiler, there was the twelfth when we started out to trail was an unconfirmed rumor in the underworld Ears Dugan." today that Tiler really was behind the Comprehension dawned on Ham. He mysterious Purple Dragon, of which we have let out a very undignified roar. "Then that girl been hearing so much of late. Savage and did lie," he shouted. "Let's go back there right Renwick reputedly were on the trail of this now. I want another sock at those so-called so-called Dragon. hospital attendants." Whether true or not, we cannot say, But the attendants weren't there. but it is an interesting theory. It is interesting Neither was the girl. The office was vacant. to note, also, that at least two more men And for the first time Monk and Ham realized went to police today to confess ancient that some place in the shuffle they had lost crimes—and in both cases they provided Chemistry. clinching evidence against themselves. At Their first impulse was to try to pick the same time, a skeleton, the sixth of its up the trail at once. Then they decided kind, was uncovered by police in an isolated against it. It might be better if they got back lot. Although evidence indicated the skeleton to Doc's office, and kept in close touch there. had been buried only recently, physicians They didn't intend to give up hope for said the man who had once owned it must Doc and Renny too soon. The report of their have been dead for years. The remains were death might be so—but they still didn't identified as those of a once-notorious believe it. gangster, long missing from his regular haunts. If all this be the work of the Purple THERE was at least one other Dragon, we are not so sure that work should person who read the report of the deaths with be stopped. At least a lot of crimes, once marked disbelief. At least disbelief was his listed as unsolved, are now solved. The emotion as he read the headlines. Later he police are receiving valuable assistance, wasn't so sure. whether they know it or not. The man was in a hospital bed. There is only one thing that makes Bandages covered most of his head. From police doubt that the Purple Dragon might be certain dull aches it seemed that he had a all he claims, that his only motive is to see fractured rib or so. Outside of that, he wasn't criminals who have escaped the law receive certain of anything. proper punishment. That is the fact that in He had been conscious for some every case linked to the Dragon so far, the time before he saw the newspaper, but had victim once was connected in some way with kept that fact to himself. When his nurse left the more-than-notorious Pal Hatrack. This the room, leaving the paper temptingly near, indicates it all might be for revenge. however, he hadn't been able to keep his One of those who confessed today hands off it, even though moving was no even mentioned Hatrack during his ravings. pleasure. Undoubtedly it has no connection with the After he had finished reading the case, but it is interesting. It seems Hatrack explosion story, the paper dropped from his had the habit of telling his men to remember limp fingers. the names of certain race horses for him, The newspaper said he was dead. such as "Fred Fisher in the first." He warned After reading the story he could see why each man never to forget the name of the police had so reported. And perhaps he was horse or the race— dead. But Renny didn't believe it. After careful consideration, however, "There's a lot more, but that's not he decided that was the only fact that he important," Ham said. And thereby Ham could swear to. Where he was, how he had added himself to the list of poor prophets. gotten there, why he hadn't been killed, all Monk failed to make the proper were questions that needed answers. answer. He was staring at the paper in his It seemed certain that he hadn't been hand with a rapt and silly grin. taken to a hospital anywhere near the scene of the explosion. Doc and his aids were too THE PURPLE DRAGON 39 well known most places for them to attempt question. Surely you must know where you to conceal their identities without disguises, are. This is El Paso, Texas, of course." and bandages hardly served that purpose. Renny dropped back as if shot. El Renny tried to reach down and get Paso! And last night he had been in New the newspaper he had dropped. If he could York. see that again at least he would know where He closed his eyes weakly. It was all he was. too deep for him to figure out. One of the homeliest nurses he had ever seen balked that. She didn't even speak. She simply entered the room and Chapter XII pushed him back into his bed. DOC TAKES A CHANCE "Any movement at all might be dangerous for you," she said severely. OTHER strange things were "What's wrong with me?" Renny happening in the border town of El Paso, complained. also. "Concussion—for one thing. A few One was the actions of a small, broken ribs, for another," the nurse snapped. nattily dressed man with a green "Concussion, as you know," Renny handkerchief in his pocket. said, "sometimes plays pranks with the Dude Starg also had reached El memory. How long have I been here?" Paso early that morning. Leaving Fielding "Why, Mr. Smith, you don't look like Falcan to tell the story of the mysterious the kind of man who would lose his memory. explosion that had "killed" Doc and Renny, But if you must know, you were brought here Dude had raced to their plane and sped on early this morning by a very handsome man. an errand of his own. He said you had been in an automobile Once in El Paso, he had made accident." several mysterious telephone calls. Not long Renny digested that information after that, he began to receive a steady flow slowly. The "handsome man" undoubtedly of visitors at his hotel room. A majority of referred to Doc. That was a relief, although those visitors were of the type the hotel he had felt sure from the beginning that Doc management would just as soon have was safe. And Doc had registered him under dispensed with, but Dude tipped lavishly, so the name of Smith. there was no complaint. "D-did I do any raving—talk about It was well along in the afternoon anything I shouldn't?" he asked hesitantly— before he got the information he evidently then added hastily, as he saw the nurse's was after. He wrote down an address and expression harden, "I mean about business smiled for the first time that day. secrets, or anything like that?" Then he made one more telephone The nurse shook her head and her call. Two men showed up at his room not face softened. "No, nothing like that. You did long after that. They resembled each other some talking though. You must have been so much that they might have been brothers. reading about that awful 'Purple Dragon' in Each was tall, huskily built, with cold, New York, for you mentioned that several expressionless eyes. And a close observer times." would have noticed that each wore a Renny blinked. And then something shoulder holster. struck him suddenly. The nurse spoke of A few minutes later, they left the New York as if it were some distance away. hotel together. None of the three noticed the And earlier she had said he hadn't been ragged peon who had been idling across brought in until morning. The explosion had from the hotel most of the day. occurred early the evening before. As the three took the streetcar that The big engineer half raised up from would carry them across the border into his bed, eyes wide. Jaurez, the peon also was aboard. The peon "Say," he shouted. "Just where am I, showed no interest in the three "gringos." anyway?" Instead, all his attention seemed to be The nurse took a startled step centered on the straw he was chewing. backward. "Why, Mr. Smith. What a foolish 40 DOC SAVAGE Not far on the Mexican side of the The ragged peon returned to El Paso border, one of Dude's two gunmen dropped also. The peon had gold-flecked eyes. Those from the streetcar. The second got off a block eyes were flashing strangely. farther along. Dude waited still another block. The peon got off when Dude did, but the Dude paid no attention to him. All THE eyes were the first thing Renny Mexicans looked alike to Dude. noticed when a caller was brought to see Dude walked swiftly toward one of him. Otherwise, it is doubtful that even Renny the poorer sections of Jaurez. Occasionally would have known Doc Savage. he consulted the paper he held in his hand. Doc had discarded his peon Converging toward him were his two disguise, but the bronze man still was gunmen. They stopped near an adobe shack keeping his identity secret. He still appeared that looked as if it had been abandoned. One handsome, but he was the perfect movie of the gunmen went to the rear door. The version of a traveling salesman, clothes and other joined Dude in front. Dude walked to all. the door boldly, rapped hard. "This is the kind man who brought The silence inside was broken by the you here this morning," the homely nurse sound of a gun hammer being drawn back. explained before she disappeared from the Dude spoke swiftly. room. She actually smiled. "It's Dude Starg, Red. I've got some Renny smiled contentedly, but his news for you." voice was filled with complaint. "Dang it, Doc, For long seconds nothing happened. here I thought I was in New York and I find The gunman with Dude flattened himself I'm in Texas. I read that I was dead, and against the adobe wall, so that he couldn't be have just decided that I should be but ain't. seen from the inside. What is it all about?" Then, at last, the door opened. It was Doc came as close to smiling as he a surprisingly thick door, and it opened ever did. There was good reason for Renny's slowly. The muzzle of a gun appeared first. confusion. Dude stood calmly, hands at his side. "I am sorry to have manhandled you "It's O. K., Red," he said last night, but it was necessary," he said reassuringly. quietly. "I should have suspected we were in The man called Red growled softly, danger sooner, but I did not, so quick action but opened the door wide. His gun arm went was necessary." down. One of Dude's hands shot out like a Renny was willing to bet no one else snake, caught the other by the shirt front and could have got them out alive. yanked. The red-haired man was pulled clear "I saw at the last instant that an of the doorway. explosion was coming," Doc continued. "I The gunman beside the door brought also saw one possible chance of escape. the butt end of his automatic down hard on Tiler, as you know, once was one of the great Red's head. Red collapsed. builders of magician's equipment in the "Neat," Dude said approvingly. country. His home, as I suspected, had many The second gunman came around trapdoors and trick devices. I saw signs that from the rear, grinning. He and his pal took led me to conclude there was a slide from the the redhead between them, moved slowly living room into the basement. I could only down the street. hope the slide led to safe shelter of some "Red may be worth $25,000 to the kind. It did." F.B.I., but I think he's going to be worth ten "Hey," Renny objected. "How did you times that to me," Dude chuckled. know a blast was coming? How did you spot No one paid any attention as the red- the trick door?" Renny didn't admit he hadn't haired man was taken into a second shack known about Tiler. not far away. No one, that is, except the Doc ignored the questions. "Your ragged peon who had materialized from head unfortunately struck a brick wall as we somewhere. fell," he went on. "But being beneath the Not long after that Dude went back to explosion, the force of which went up, and El Paso. He left the redhead guarded by the also landing in a steel 'escape cage' such as two gunmen. magicians use, we were not seriously hurt. THE PURPLE DRAGON 41 "Removing you from the house, I Renny wanted to protest some more. saw a plane taking off not far away. I was He took one look at Doc's features and held fortunate in being able to identify markings his tongue. on the ship, and to trace it. So I obtained a In that, he was much better than his plane and followed. The trail ended here." homely nurse. She talked for days about Renny sighed. There was no use returning to her patient only to find the room asking any more questions, he knew. But vacant, with both patient and visitor gone. there were so many details Doc was omitting that he would have liked to have heard about. DUDE STARG waited for darkness He understood how Doc's keen before returning to Jaurez. But he wasn't idle. eyesight might have seen the plane He spent the time arranging to smuggle Red markings, and he supposed he could guess into the United States. And since Red was the rest of it. Doc had pulled wires—and he going to be very unwilling to return to the knew many of them, and had traced the United States, where he was wanted for such plane through airports at which it had crimes as murder, mail robbery and bank stopped for gas. Another wire had been robbery, that took some arranging. pulled to obtain a plane immediately for the But at dinner time Dude was in a pursuit. very jubilant mood. Everything was going It was a tribute to those who had fine. And there wasn't a thing to worry about aided Doc that they had kept his secret, had now that Doc Savage was out of the way. not disclosed that he had escaped the blast Of course, some of the bronze man's alive. aids might try to cause trouble, but Dude "What happened here?" Renny wasn't concerned about them. asked at last. Dude ate leisurely, then made a "Another victim had been selected telephone call to New York. He couldn't resist for the Purple Dragon," Doc said calmly. boasting a little. Renny gasped, then brightened. "A coffin floats, you know," he said "Then you've got a lead at last? The Purple cryptically. "It's in the bag." Dragon didn't end with the blast last night?" Dude might not have been quite so "It did not end," Doc agreed. confident if he had known what was going on "What do we do?" Renny asked in Jaurez, but then he didn't know. For that anxiously. matter, the two guards he had left with Red The bronze man examined him with didn't know much about it either. skilled fingers. And Doc was known as one of Neither guard saw the two ghostly the world's outstanding physicians and figures who eased up to the adobe shack just surgeons. A slight frown creased his after dusk. If they had, they wouldn't have forehead as he completed his examination, believed their eyes, anyway. One of those but he said nothing. figures looked just like Red, even to a mole Instead, he took a small hypodermic under the right eye. Doc Savage had made needle from the equipment kit about his good use of his powers of observation. He waist, filled it with a clear liquid and shot it had made better use of his art of make-up. into Renny's arm. The big engineer felt better The two guards were jeering at their almost immediately. prisoner. They thought it humorous that Red "You should be fit enough to carry was trussed up so he couldn't move a out your part," Doc said finally. muscle. They thought it even more humorous After that he talked swiftly and that he was in a coffin. The lid of the coffin clearly. A strange look came to Renny's was off now, but soon it would be fastened severe features. securely. Then it would be taken to the "But, Doc," he protested weakly, smugglers who had guaranteed its safe "you're taking too big a chance! If anything delivery on the other side of the Rio Grande. should go wrong—" From there—well, a plane covers a lot of "We will hope that nothing does go territory in the course of a night. wrong," Doc said briefly. "Now, dress quickly Then the guards went to sleep. Or at and leave by the fire-escape window. You least they thought they must have dozed off know what is to be done." for a few minutes. They didn't see the fine 42 DOC SAVAGE powder that drifted into the shack—a powder week. It would keep anyone asleep that Doc Savage had used once before with such long—even Doc Savage, if he was still alive quick results. so he could go to sleep." The guards knew they couldn't have Dude jabbed the hypo roughly into slept long. When they recovered, they saw an exposed place on his captive's arm, Red was still safe in the coffin. He seemed jabbed the needle home. still to be sleeping. Doc did not move. The bronze man The guards decided not even to fully realized the chance he was taking, knew mention the episode to Dude when he that Dude probably wasn't boasting about the arrived. Dude sometimes had a quick potency of the drug he was using. But the temper. bronze man never attempted to run from But Dude was still in a good humor trouble, even unexpected trouble. He made when he came for one last check before the no fight now. night's proceedings began. The dapper little killer had barely noticed a big sedan that had passed him Chapter XIII shortly before he reached the shack. Had he THE ANKLE CLUE got a clear look at the driver's face he would have been far from good-humored. STILL worried about Doc, Renny Renny was at the wheel. And in the drove directly to the offices where he knew back seat, concealed under several lap he would find an F.B.I. man. robes, was the real Red. Red was A few pedestrians gaped in surprise, unconscious. He would stay that way for but none offered to interfere as the big some time. engineer opened the rear of the sedan, threw Renny drove boldly across the bridge the lap robes off the sleeping Red, and to the American side. The Mexican customs hoisted the man's unconscious form over his officers merely waved him on. At the shoulder. American side he stopped—but only for an The broken ribs complained slightly instant. He whispered a few words to the at the burden, but the injection given Renny officer who came out to his car, and that was by Doc had numbed the pain to a great all. extent. "Good luck," the officer said. "I can't "I believe you fellows want this guy," know anything about this officially, of course. Renny said calmly as he entered the F.B.I. But I hope that Red fries. We've been trying offices. He dumped Red's limp form onto the to lure him on this side of the river for six floor. months." The F.B.I. agent in charge rose Renny smiled and drove on. But he calmly, came from behind his desk, took a didn't feel much like smiling. Doc Savage had good look at Red, and held out his hand to taken Red's place. The bronze man had Renny. explained he believed that the simplest and "Thanks, pal. Carter's the name. If quickest method of getting firsthand contact there's any particular favor you'd like to have with the Purple Dragon. Renny hoped so, but done for you sometime, let me know." he feared something might go wrong, that Renny smiled. "I've got one right Doc might be taking too many chances. now. Keep this mug on ice for at least a Renny would have been more week. Don't let anyone know you have him." worried had he remained near the shack and Carter's eyebrows lifted slightly, but watched what happened after Dude arrived. all he said was, "A pleasure. We'll want to Dude strutted over and looked down at his talk to him some in private, anyway. In return, captive. however, there are a few questions I'd like to "Sleepin', heh?" he sneered. "Well, ask, Colonel Renwick." he's going to take a longer nap than he The big engineer started. "I was figures." afraid you'd recognize me," he said. Dude pulled a hypodermic from his "I presume you are working on the pocket. It was fully loaded. "Cost me a C- Purple Dragon case?" Carter asked politely. note to get this," he bragged, "but it's filled with dope that'll keep this mug asleep for a THE PURPLE DRAGON 43 "Asking officially, or off the record," reputed to have one of the best in the legal Renny countered grimly. profession. The Federal operator hesitated. When he received the call from El Then he shrugged. After all, the F.B.I. hadn't Paso he showed that he had another kind of been called in on the case, and besides he vocabulary as well. It was one that would knew of other work Doc and his aids had have made him the envy of any old-time done. "Off the record," he conceded. "And for mule-skinner. He spoke at some length your information, I might say we have a few without repeating himself. Then he pushed a theories ourselves." button. "I'm listening," Renny said. There were a lot of buttons on "We naturally have kept up with the Falcan's desk. The one he pushed was off at case," Carter explained, "and it has struck us one side, indicating it should bring something as significant that all victims of the so-called special. Dragon were once associated with Pal It did. It brought Marcella Walling. Hatrack." The girl's features were rather worn, Renny nodded. "We noticed that" her usual radiant beauty had paled slightly. "Hatrack, as you undoubtedly know, Falcan gave what he thought was a once was virtual czar of all rackets and very pleasing grin. Unconsciously he patted crimes in the country. But are you aware also his gray hair, fingered his necktie. Even when that Fielding Falcan, the famous criminal thoroughly angry, Falcan was always lawyer, actually was chief of his legal staff?" appreciative of a pretty face. "We have considered Falcan in Then his mood hardened. "Sit down," connection with the case," Renny said he commanded abruptly. The girl sat down. noncommittally. "I am pleased with your report on Carter put handcuffs on Red. "I Monk and Ham," Falcan complimented. "You talked with one man who said he had seen are quite an accomplished actress. Now, I the Purple Dragon," he went on, and he have another job in prospect for you, one I shuddered slightly. "I almost knew fear think will eventually suit you better. But that myself. It does something horrible." wasn't why I called you in here. You have Renny agreed silently. Carter talked been a party to a great many things I have on. It was some time before the big engineer done so far. I do not want you to miss what could get away. happens next." When he did manage to leave, he Falcan's keen eyes were fastened on thought regretfully of the time he had lost, but the girl's face. He intended to miss no he thought also that it probably wouldn't possible change in expression. make much difference. It did. For he was If Marcella Walling did change spotted as he reached the street. expression in any way, he didn't see it. He Starg had paid off his two guards had forgotten that only moments before he when Red's coffin-clad figure had been had complimented her on her ability as an turned over to smugglers. The guards had actress. returned to El Paso. "First, however, I want to ask you a They saw and recognized Renny as question or so," he went on smoothly. he was getting into the big sedan. "Without the directing genius of Doc The guards had worked for Starg. Savage, do you consider Monk, say, as a They didn't know what the present deal was, person of sufficient intelligence to carry on in but they had been given a New York his place, possibly interfering with my . . . ah telephone number to call if anything . . . work?" developed concerning Red they thought Marcella Walling shook her head should be reported. without hesitation. "How about this other First they tried to get in direct touch person, this Ham?" with Dude. They found he had just left by For the first time the girl hesitated. A plane. So they called New York. strange look flashed in her eyes. It was there only for an instant—but Fielding Falcan saw it. FIELDING FALCAN had often been "Ah! Perhaps you feel slightly complimented on his vocabulary. He was romantic toward that overdressed fop," he 44 DOC SAVAGE said silkily. "I would not, if I were you. Would not know. But it was certain that she was you like to visit the Purple Dragon?" involved. Marcella Walling shook her head They went to the downtown office vigorously. "No! No! And you are mistaken," where they had first seen her. she cried. She was almost too emphatic. "I It was Monk who discovered they am sure Ham has no great intelligence, were being followed. The fellow wasn't really either." very good. He made the mistake of having Fielding Falcan stared at her for long his cab trail that used by Monk and Ham seconds. "Do not forget the final task I have without instructing the driver not to stay too in mind for you," he said finally. close. Without waiting for an answer, he The fellow did have sense enough swung to the phone on his desk. not to stop and get out at the same place He made several calls. "There must Monk and Ham did. He rode a full two blocks be no slip-up this time," he ended in each beyond before he stopped. Then he started case. to slip back cautiously. He wasn't cautious Marcella Walling sat silently and enough. Monk met him halfway. patiently. Whatever her thoughts might have The hairy chemist just stepped into a been, nothing showed on her features. hallway and waited. When the fellow came by one of Monk's long arms reached out and grabbed. MONK and Ham were looking for Even those close to the fellow at the those features at that very moment. They time couldn't have sworn whether he had would have been very glad to have known been attacked or whether he'd turned into the where she was, and particularly that she was hallway of his own accord. linked with Fielding Falcan. Monk took the man up to the top of But at that time they didn't even the flight of stairs. A glance around assured know Fielding Falcan was connected with the him this place would be as good as any case in any way. other. For long hours they had taken turns He thrust his homely face into the keeping watch in Doc's office, hoping for other's mug. He waved a big fist menacingly. word either from the bronze man or Renny. "Now talk! Daggonit, who told you to follow They had tried all the usual communicating us?" devices without avail. The other was undoubtedly One of those devices should have frightened. He didn't seem to know whether worked, the one Monk had nicknamed the to be more afraid of Monk or of talking. He "hot foot." It was this device Doc had used tried to compromise. He pulled a knife. while trying to trace Monk and Ham. Monk swatted him. He didn't intend But at the time they had used it, to hit real hard. His temper got the best of Renny had been in a hospital bed, and him. From the way the would-be knifeman naturally without his socks, while Doc could folded up, it was apparent he wouldn't be hardly have worn them while playing the part able to talk for some hours. of a barefooted peon. Neither could they Accordingly, Monk and Ham returned wear their oversized wrist watches under the to the office of Dr. Constantine. No one was circumstances. there. They hadn't thought anyone would be. Now they had decided they had After a time they got hold of the wasted enough time. They didn't like to think janitor. He didn't know anything. Offices in of it, but perhaps Doc really had been killed. this building often were rented by the week, In that case, there was only one thing to do, and for cash. only one thing the bronze man would have Monk and Ham questioned tenants wanted them to do. of adjoining suites. A couple admitted they They would have to break the case had seen the very pretty girl Monk described, themselves; would have to find and put an but they didn't know anything about her. end to the Purple Dragon. Then Ham got a brainstorm. The news- They knew only one place to start. dealer on the corner wasn't blind, and those That was by tracing Marcella Walling. Just who aren't usually have an eye for a pretty what connection she had with it all they did ankle. THE PURPLE DRAGON 45 This one did. He admitted it freely. known it, they probably would have gone After a little more questioning and the ahead just the same. influence of a big bill, he admitted he had For a five-dollar bill, the taxi driver seen the girl they were asking about, and admitted taking Marcella Walling in his cab, added, "The last time I saw that skirt she was and not only that, he agreed that he knew in company of a guy that looked just like this where he had taken her. mug here." He pointed to Monk. "A classy dump on Fit' Avenue," he "Chemistry!" exclaimed Monk. Ham nodded. howled. "I am an attorney," Ham said They had to wait half an hour before smoothly. "I have some questions I desire to the cab driver they wanted returned to his ask the girl." stand. The delay proved expensive for them. "In dat case I'll take youse there," the Had they been thinking, they might cab driver said, adding hopefully that "it'll be have realized that anyone who covered his a dollar nin'y-five on the meter." tracks as well as the Purple Dragon would "It's worth another five," Ham said take no chances; that a watcher probably instantly. would be around to see that no one took The cab was ancient in appearance, undue interest in the office of Dr. but it had a good motor. It started uptown at Constantine. a rapid rate. There was. That watcher reported in "At that, I hope we don't run into the as soon as he saw the pair talking to the Purple Dragon again," Monk said suddenly. news dealer. "T-that is, when we can't fight back." Ham's lips tightened. The well- dressed attorney seemed to have the same Chapter XIV thought. "I'd still like to know just what DEATH SENTENCE happened," he admitted, "but I'd prefer to have someone tell me about it." FIELDING FALCAN was amazed. Monk's face lost its strained look and The Purple Dragon had warned both Monk he glanced sideways mischievously at Ham. and Ham what would happen to them if they "What about the girl? Seems to me I saw you butted into the case again. The gray-haired looking at her with a lot of interest." lawyer really had thought that would be Ham started to reply. A resounding sufficient. crash stopped whatever remark he might Publication of that newspaper photo have made. also had been designed to make the pair Their cab did a half-pivot, skidded ridiculous, to really laugh them out of the dolefully along until it came up against the chase. curb. Evidently, Monk and Ham had been In front, their driver was telling the underestimated. pilot of a big truck just what he thought of For some moments, Falcan him. considered the question thoughtfully. Things The truck driver piled out. Two were moving at a fast pace. It wouldn't be helpers got out with him. Their appearance long until the usefulness of the Purple was decidedly menacing. Dragon was ended. But there must be no "Help me, youse guys," the cab delays or interruptions now. driver appealed, and grabbed a crank as he A slow grin spread over Falcan's piled out of his battered taxi. face. After all, he had been a criminal lawyer Monk started to follow. Ham grabbed for many years. There were few tricks he him by the arm, pulled him back. didn't know. This time he would try one of his "Careful," he warned, suddenly own. He made his preparations swiftly and serious. "This has all the earmarks of another smoothly. trap." Monk and Ham were completely Monk grunted scornfully, but he ignorant of the fact that anyone was delayed for a moment just the same. It did interested in them at all. But even if they had seem too many things happened to them whenever they got interested in Marcella Walling. 46 DOC SAVAGE The truck driver was a big guy. He you haven't got Red at all. If anyone is in that dodged the crank the cab driver swung, coffin, it is Doc Savage." planted a huge fist in the cabby's face. The Dude Starg turned several colors in cabby lost all interest in proceedings. rapid succession. "B-but this guy looks just Then he walked over to the cab door, like Red," he finally protested weakly. yanked it open and stared in belligerently at Falcan cooled down suddenly. "And Monk and Ham. that convinces me it is Doc Savage. Check at "I hit that poor mug of a driver, but it once. Here is how you can tell—" was probably youse guys' fault," he bellowed. Perspiration streaming from his face, "Youse was having him drive so fast he Dude returned to his plane. It was only a few smashed right into me." minutes' job to take off the top of the coffin. He reached into the cab, tried to get Then he did as Falcan had ordered. He hold of Ham. pulled back the eyelids of the man inside. Monk kicked out. The point of his toe Falcan had been right. Those eyes caught the truck driver in the belly. were gold-flecked. The man was Doc The big man grunted and stepped Savage. back. Monk got out—with both arms For a second time, Dude went to swinging. The truck driver looked surprised report. When he returned his face was as a right caught his jaw. He sat down vicious. abruptly. "Plans are changed slightly," he Ham also got out of the cab. For snarled angrily. some moments a lusty free-for-all was in The plane's pilot looked at him with progress. Then, just when they were winning mild curiosity. handily, the two Doc Savage aids were "You mean this guy is not going to slugged from behind, knocked down. Each call on the Purple Dragon?" felt a sharp sting in the arm. And that was all Dude shook his head. "Not this bird," they did feel—for some time. he growled. "He's the toughest customer to kill that I've ever met, but he'd have to be made of asbestos to get out of what I'm DUDE STARG also was reporting to going to do to him." the gray-haired criminal attorney. Dude was The pilot yawned. "Going to kill him still very pleased with himself. first?" "Landed safely at LaGuardia Field," "Hell, no!" Dude rasped. "He's going he barked jubilantly. "The cargo is safe, and in alive and come out a dried-up skeleton. will be unloaded in a few minutes. Want it There's only one thing I'm sorry about. I put taken to the usual place?" so much dope in him in Juarez that he won't Dude's self-satisfied expression be conscious to know about it." changed as words sizzled in his ear. Falcan Swiftly he put screws back in the top was using his mule-skinner vocabulary again. of the coffin. Finally, he slowed down long enough to tell Dude what he feared. "Those guys got out of the blast Chapter XV somehow," he bellowed. "The big one, HELD FOR MURDER Renny, was seen coming out of the F.B.I. offices in El Paso. Do you know what that MONK recovered first. To his may mean?" surprise he emerged from unconsciousness Dude gulped, and admitted that he with an almost clear head. Then he began to might have a faint idea, but that he didn't wonder if his head were so clear after all. want to think about it. To begin with, he didn't recognize his "I'll think about it for you," Falcan surroundings. The last he remembered, there roared. "I'll do better, I'll tell you about it. had been an auto accident. Through friends I still have in the government But he wasn't in jail. He was sure of service I found that Renny delivered Red to that. the F.B.I. at just the time you thought you Cautiously he opened his eyes a were starting with him here. And that means second time and glanced around. Then he THE PURPLE DRAGON 47 shut his eyes fast. His first look had been apparent cause. Just the same, things were confirmed. strange, and there was an air about this He was lying flat on his back on a apartment he didn't like, an ominous air that thick, luxurious rug. He was in a room that filled him with foreboding. was both tastefully and expensively Chemistry was acting queerly now, decorated and furnished. also. The ape seemed to be doing his best to And he wasn't alone. From some try to tell them something, dancing around place along the line, Chemistry had oddly. Monk noticed casually that the ape still reappeared. The hairy ape was squatting had his camera swung around his neck. patiently on his haunches, waiting for Monk Then he noticed something else that and Ham to stir and move. made him forget about Chemistry. There was But the most shocking thing was a picture on the wall, a picture of a very Ham's appearance. Ham looked as if he had beautiful girl. been on the losing end of an argument with a It was a picture of Marcella. And on a steam roller. His clothes were torn and dirty. table near the door were the hat and jacket There were scratches on his features. And, he had last seen Marcella wearing. most ominous of all, there was a big splotch "Marcella!" Monk called sharply. on the front of Ham's shirt that could only The only answer was another groan have been caused by blood. out of Ham. "You surely don't want her to see Cautiously Monk rolled over, felt you, looking like you do now," the lawyer Ham's pulse. It was throbbing strongly. Even argued. as Monk felt it, the no-longer-dapper lawyer Monk didn't reply. He'd at last found groaned once or twice and opened his eyes. a mirror. And he found that he also looked as Ham looked directly at Monk's if he'd been run through a sausage grinder. homely features. He didn't seem to like what His face also was scratched, his clothes torn. he saw either. As Chemistry ambled forward, A startled exclamation from Ham grunting contentedly, Ham's eyelids went caught his attention. The lawyer had rolled tight closed and he let out another moan. over, had started to get up. Then he had "I knew it would happen to you some halted, still on his hands and knees. Ham's day—and you never were a candidate for a eyes were focused toward a door that beauty prize," Ham muttered plaintively. evidently led into a bedroom. "What do you mean?" Monk growled Monk looked that way quickly. His sourly. "You oughta get a load of how you jaw fell. He likewise froze motionless. look." From under the closed door rolled a "Go find a mirror and look at yourself, small pool of ever-widening crimson! you ape!" Ham protested weakly. The lawyer kept his eyes shut. Monk growled and got to his feet. It FOR long seconds, the silence was was then he noticed that the room they were unbroken. Then an angry growl came from in showed signs of a fight. A chair or two had Monk. He started forward. Ham leaped to his been knocked over. Books had been thrown feet. Together they opened the door, looked off an end table. inside. The hairy chemist stood perfectly Monk's guess had been right. The motionless for an instant, listening intently. next room was a bedroom. But it didn't look There wasn't a thing to be heard, not even as though anyone would sleep there for street noises from outside. They were in an some time. apartment, he decided, and evidently a The room showed evidence of a soundproof one at that. But even so, it was terrific combat. Furniture was broken. A tall, strange there wasn't noise of some kind, no full-length mirror was shattered. matter how slight. The crimson pool extended only a He moved across the room, and to short distance into the room. But there was his surprise he found he was creeping along. no body there. Whatever or whoever had For some strange reason hair was rising on suffered the wound had been removed. the nape of his neck. Ham wet dry lips. His usual Monk growled angrily. He was letting assurance had slipped from him. There was his nerves get the best of him, and for no 48 DOC SAVAGE questioning doubt in his features as he But even as they ran, both Monk and turned to Monk. Ham were doing their best to repair their torn "D-do you suppose it was us—" clothing, so that it wouldn't be too noticeable. Monk swallowed hard. "I . . . I was Scarcely two minutes later and they wonderin' that too," he said. His voice was had reached the ground floor. It took them thin and uncertain. only seconds to open the barred fire-escape Ham looked down, and his already door and slip into the small alleyway outside. white features became more ashen. A gun Then they were running swiftly from the was lying almost at his feet. Gingerly he took scene. out a handkerchief, then picked the gun up The last thing they heard was more and sniffed the muzzle. sirens as additional police arrived. "Fired—and recently," he retorted gloomily. Monk nodded dumbly. He was ready A CRUISING cab took the three to to believe almost anything. the building where Doc had his office. It was Ham slipped the gun in his pocket, a silent trip. Each was busy with his own his manner suddenly businesslike. With quick thoughts, and those thoughts weren't strides he crossed the room, raised a pleasant. window. Something was screwy, very screwy, "We've got to find out where we are," Monk knew. But he couldn't explain it just the he started. Then he stopped. same. With the window raised, sound came The whole thing looked like a frame- in from the outside. But it wasn't sound either up. But if it was, it had been excellently done. Monk or Ham wanted to hear. It was the wail On the other hand, he thought of a police siren. gloomily, he and Ham might really have been The hairy chemist glanced quickly at responsible for what had happened. Doped his partner. Ham leaned out of the window and unconscious, there was no telling what cautiously, taking care not to expose himself wild actions they might not have tried. too much in case anyone was looking up Then he gulped, and his small eyes from below. gleamed. That didn't check out either. They A moment later, the lawyer grunted hadn't been alone in the apartment, that was and swung around swiftly. "Police!" he sure. And someone had walked out of rapped. "We've got to get out of here, and there—whether it was the person who had get out fast." been wounded or still another actor in the Monk nodded without hesitation. strange drama, he didn't know. But it was There was no doubt in the mind of either but apparent that someone had walked out—else that the police were on their way to this why wasn't there a body around? apartment. And both knew what the result The tip given the police proved that would be if they were found there. They also. Someone did know what had occurred would never be able to convince the cops in the apartment, someone who had given they hadn't been responsible for whatever the alarm. had happened. They dismissed the cab half a block The only thing to do was to get out from their destination, slipped into the and try to solve the mystery before the police building through a door to the cellar, and took learned they had any connection with the Doc's special, high-speed elevator to the case. offices above. With Chemistry trailing them, they "I've got an idea," Ham said. He dashed into the hallway, raced toward an gestured slightly toward the camera inclosed fire escape at the rear. With luck, Chemistry had around his neck. they should be able to get out before the Hope flared swiftly in Monk's eyes. cops posted a guard at the back. Ham was right. There was a chance Chemistry had difficulty keeping up Chemistry had taken a picture that might help with them. They went down the stairs as if them. In fact, he was almost willing to bet the the Purple Dragon itself was after them. ape had snapped a shot or two. The only question was whether there had still been any unused film in the camera at the time. THE PURPLE DRAGON 49 Even as the elevator reached Doc's Marcella wasn't alone in the picture. floor, Monk grabbed the camera from Two other persons were there. One was Chemistry, raced toward the excellently crouching over, long arms half extended as outfitted dark room that was one feature of though ready to grab and crush. The other the suite of offices. stood aside weakly, but with one hand Newspaper photographers have the extended also. developing of film and plates down to a fine In that hand was a gun. Apparently art. But Ham was willing to bet that even the the gun had just been fired. There seemed to most expert had never bettered the time that be a faint haze, as if from powder above the Monk made now. The hairy chemist didn't muzzle. make a false motion. The two men had their backs to the Ham sat nearby watching Monk work camera. But there was no mistaking their under the ruby light. It seemed Monk had identity. scarcely begun before the job was over. He They were Monk and Ham. turned on a bright light, scanned the film "I . . . I can't believe it!" Ham argued swiftly. weakly. He was near the end of the roll "It can't be, but it is—" Monk began. before he halted. For an instant, he studied a The hairy chemist broke off. Ham's small square of the film carefully. A strange head shot up. There was a heavy pounding noise came from his numb lips. It was a at the door to the office, a pounding that noise Ham had never heard him make could mean only one thing. before—a stricken, childlike cry of grief. Ham looked at Monk, an unspoken With fingers that trembled, the question in his eyes. Monk nodded. Ham chemist fitted the film into a portable went toward the door. Neither felt like running projector that stood nearby. He darkened the any more. room, turned on the projector. The detectives who burst in were A picture flashed on a screen, a grim and savage. Gone was the politeness picture many times magnified, but clear and usually shown Doc's aids. distinct in every detail. "We don't care who you are," one of Ham cried out. them snapped out angrily. "All murderers The evidence was there, and it was look alike to us. And you two are charged evidence that looked like both of them faced with murder." the electric chair! Before Monk or Ham could move, even if they had wanted to, handcuffs were snapped on their wrists. CHEMISTRY evidently had been But even then, Ham could not standing in the living room of the apartment entirely forget his legal training. when he snapped the picture. But he had "Just whom are we accused of been close enough to the bedroom door so killing, and when?" he asked mildly. that almost every detail inside could be seen. "You know well enough," the And it was a sight Monk and Ham knew that detective snarled. "But just to show you how neither would ever be able to erase from his little chance you have, look at this!" mind. With a triumphant air, the man Marcella was almost facing the yanked a picture from his pocket. Monk and camera. But it wasn't the well-dressed, Ham looked at it in bewilderment. It was poised Marcella that Monk and Ham had almost an exact copy of the picture Monk had known. flashed on the screen only seconds before. It was a girl that seemed in the grip That must mean— of almost unbearable terror. Every feature Life returned to Ham's eyes. Color was strained, her eyes were wide and poured back to his features. staring. "But look, man," he said excitedly, And she had been in a battle. Her "this picture isn't proof that we committed a clothes were ripped and torn, her gown crime. Figure it out for yourself. Someone hanging from one shoulder. Almost over her else had to be present to take that picture. heart there was a small, dark hole in that That shows it was a frame-up." gown. 50 DOC SAVAGE "Daggonit, of course," Monk cut in Dude's small shoulders straightened. swiftly. "Even a detective ought to see that." That was an achievement of which anyone "And besides," Ham rushed on, "if could be proud, even if Red had got away. there was a crime at all, you must have a Dude was still smiling faintly as he body to prove it. And you haven't got it— swung the delivery truck through a gate into there is no corpus delicti. " a dilapidated yard near the East River. A bulky detective smashed Ham A sign in front advertised the place alongside the jaw. "Shut up and come along," as a junk yard. It looked it. At the rear of the he roared. "You are a smooth talker, and you sprawling yard was a shedlike structure that, might have convinced us something was surprisingly enough, appeared to be almost phony, if it wasn't for one thing." new and solidly built. "What is that?" Ham asked Dude swung the truck around cautiously. expertly, backed until the rear of the truck "We've got a witness who saw you was flush with a door of the huge shed. two and that ape of yours slipping along near A dirty, malevolent face, almost the water front with a bundle wrapped up in a concealed by a huge growth of hair, peered rug. We're dragging the river for the body cautiously from a window. Dude gave a slight right now." signal. The shed door opened. Ham staggered as another lusty "All out," Dude chuckled softly. clout caught him across the jaw. He still "Another live one goes in, and comes out argued, was arguing, in fact, up to the very long dead." time steel doors clanged behind them and they were lodged in jail. If the Purple Dragon had wanted DUDE'S helper had evidently been them out of the way, and had been behind to the junk yard before. He didn't wait for what had occurred—which seemed likely— instructions, but heaved at the heavy coffin, then the Purple Dragon had done an pushing it into the shed. So cleverly was the excellent job. Ham knew he and Monk really job done, that no one on the street could were in a tough spot. have told what had been delivered. The man inside lumbered forward. Seen at close quarters, he was a veritable Chapter XVI giant, clad in loose-fitting overalls. DEATH IN THE PIT "The boss is sending almost too many down here, Dude," he complained. "By DUDE was driving what appeared to and by someone may get suspicious." be a delivery truck. The sign on the side said Dude's grin faded. Cold light it belonged to a bakery. If it did, it certainly flickered in his small eyes. "I don't think the was not being used for its intended purpose. Purple Dragon would like it if anything went In the inclosed rear of the truck was wrong, Dummy," he said softly. a coffin. Inside the coffin was a figure so The giant's face paled slightly bound and taped that it could not have beneath the dirt. His hand trembled as he moved even if it had been conscious. And reached forward, caught one end of the there were so many wrappings on the figure coffin, slid it spinning across the floor with that it would have been difficult even to make one tremendous heave. out that it was the body of a man—a tall, "W-who is it this time?" he managed. powerfully built man. Dude's smile returned. "It really is Seated on top of the coffin was none of your business," he said shortly. "But Dude's only assistant. Short and heavy-set, this time I don't mind telling you. It's Doc the helper, whom Dude addressed as Runt, Savage." seemed entirely without nerves. He was The giant seemed to have trouble calmly smoking a cigarette. breathing. If he had been frightened at Dude was feeling nervous, but mention of the Purple Dragon, he seemed everything should be all right now. Doc almost terrified at mention of the bronze Savage would soon be where he wouldn't man's name. cause any more trouble to anyone. "It c-can't be!" he quavered. THE PURPLE DRAGON 51 The stocky man who had ridden on DUDE was right in one respect. Not the coffin laughed shortly. "Just take a look, even Doc Savage could have lived if it had chum," he advised. He pulled a screwdriver been he who had been tossed into the from his hip pocket, removed the top of the deadly lime. coffin swiftly. The only trouble was, the victim The giant eased forward, looked wasn't Doc Savage. down. Involuntarily, he took a backward step The bronze man, groggy as he had as he saw the bronze face beneath him. been from the effects of the anaesthetic he The stocky man laughed harshly, had been given, had managed to throw off leaned over, tugged the bound figure up until his stupor before the plane reached he could heave it over his shoulder. "Lead LaGuardia Airport. the way, chum," he barked. Physicians could have explained that The giant recovered himself with an by citing cases of the amazing power the effort. He glared defiantly at Dude's sneering mind has when it determines not to succumb grin, then turned and strode swiftly across to drugs. And once conscious, it had not the room. At the far side he paused, took out been difficult for Doc to work his way free a key and unlocked a heavy door. from his bonds. The room inside was small. Almost Doc had been conscious when Dude all of it was taken up with just one thing—a Starg inspected him in the coffin at the vat in the center. airport, had known his disguise had been The vat was filled with liquid. penetrated and had realized he could not Had Doc Savage been able to see carry through his original plan. He had to that liquid he would have understood some of escape. A few moments later, and he had the puzzles that had mystified police. traded places with the man left to guard him. It was a mixture of quicklime. The bronze man never let even a foe Here it was that bodies of slain men go to his death knowingly. He hadn't done so had been brought. Dropped into the this time. He had thought it more than quicklime, their flesh had been eaten away, reasonable to expect that the captive would their skeletons bleached until it appeared be inspected again before anything drastic they had been dead for years. When the was done. killers had wanted their victim identified, they Doc was too modest to realize just had worked it so that a part of a fingertip how much he was feared and respected by would be left not too badly damaged. those on the other side of the law, had not Now that the fatal moment had known his erstwhile captors intended to kill arrived, even Dude seemed a little hesitant. first and investigate later. But not so the stocky man who carried the When he fled the coffin, Doc slipped bound and tied body. into a nearby hangar. After that he was busy He stepped forward swiftly—and for a while, using his make-up kit. heaved. He looked like a professional man, a The bound man evidently had been lawyer or a doctor, as he emerged. His chewing hard at the gag that silenced him. bronze hair was gray; there were wrinkles in Knowing death was near, he had made one his forehead and around his mouth. Glass final, tremendous effort to bite through that lenses had been fitted over his gold-flecked gag. eyes so that they now appeared a dark-blue. He succeeded. Without hesitation he walked toward There was a shrill, terrified scream the administration building. just before the body hit the deadly quicklime. An air liner from the West had just The man's mouth was still open as he sank landed. Among the passengers was a beneath the surface. particularly glamorous star. New York Dude's pent-up breath went out in a reporters were out in force to meet her, were long sigh. firing questions at her from all sides. "Not even Doc Savage can live after Doc paid no attention. His plan was that," he breathed. simple but vital. He wanted to keep secret as long as possible the fact that he had escaped, or at least keep his whereabouts 52 DOC SAVAGE unknown until he had answered several The bronze man was polite. questions to his own satisfaction. Seemingly he answered each question fully A habit of a lifetime betrayed him. Or and frankly. It was only later that the rather, the combination of that habit coupled reporters realized how little information he with the plight in which Monk and Ham had had given them. fallen. The report of his death had been an Doc's glance fell on a newspaper error, he assured them gravely. And if there headline shouted in 144-point type was a Purple Dragon he had yet to see it. He was sure he did not believe that anything TWO DOC SAVAGE AIDS could transport men into the past, and if there must be a motive, as they suggested, he HELD FOR MURDER rather believed it must be materialistic. As far as Monk and Ham were concerned, he knew A peculiar trilling sound, a sound that only what they had told him, but he did intend seemed to come from nowhere in particular, to investigate. yet from everywhere, filled the administration Meager as the information was, it building. resulted in newspaper extras a half-hour A sandy-haired reporter, eyes later. But then, the mere fact that Doc was sparkling keenly behind horn-rimmed alive and not dead was sufficient for that in glasses, was standing almost beside Doc at any event. the time. The reporter jumped as if he'd been Those extras were read by a great given the hot-foot, staring unbelievingly for a many people. All of them were interested. moment at the dignified figure at his right. But there were several who were far more Then the reporter let out a yell, a yell than just interested. that could have been heard for half a mile. Their reaction served to bring things "Hell, fellows, forget that movie bum! to a climax far sooner than otherwise would Here's a real story. Doc Savage isn't dead. have been the case. He's right here now. Alive!" Doc Savage's features didn't change. If the bronze man felt surprise or Chapter XVII chagrin, he hid that fact excellently. He turned courteously toward the RENNY GETS KISSED crowd of reporters that stormed about him, shouting questions. RENNY also was rushing toward "Will you tell me about Monk and adventure, but he didn't know it at the time. Ham first?" he asked quietly. The big engineer had grabbed a plane for The sandy-haired scribe obliged. He New York as soon as he could, and he hadn't gave the story tersely but completely, as it let affairs at El Paso delay him for long. had been given to the newspapers by the Actually, the air liner he was on was roaring police. over Manhattan toward LaGuardia Field at "Now answer our questions," the about the time Doc left there. reporter begged eagerly. Renny already knew about Monk and Doc nodded. "I'll do my best," he Ham. A radio message to the pilot of his agreed. plane had been relayed to him while en The questions came fast and route. furiously. How had he escaped death? Was There never were any doubts in there really anything to the fantastic story of Renny's mind. He was sure Monk and Ham a Purple Dragon? If there was, did the Purple had been framed. But somebody had to get Dragon really want to rid the world of on the job, and fast, to prove that fact. criminals, or was there a more materialistic Besides, he was worried about Doc. The motive behind it? Was it true, as had been bronze man took too many chances rumored, that the Purple Dragon could sometimes. transport men into the past? Did the Dragon He learned Doc was safe just before have any connection with the recent wave of the plane glided down toward a landing. A murders? Did he think Monk and Ham had smiling stewardess brought him the news as been framed, as they insisted? it had been picked up off the air. THE PURPLE DRAGON 53 The stewardess knew Renny was The girl nodded. "Yes," she one of Doc's men. She had hoped he might confessed defiantly. "But now I want to undo start a conversation, tell her some of the some of the harm I have caused." She adventures he had experienced. She was glanced nervously over her shoulder, out the disappointed when he merely thanked her rear window of the cab. "Just make sure we absently. are not being followed." The big engineer was the first off the Renny followed her example in plane. He had no luggage to wait for. He looking back. The road was clear. "You're raced toward the taxi line. imagining things," the big engineer stated None was more surprised than he flatly. when a girl ran up to him, blocking his way, Up in front, the cab driver grinned then threw her arms around his neck, burying slyly. her face in his shoulder. "Oh, Don!" the girl sobbed loudly. "I'm so glad you got back safely. Kiss me, THE cab driver was still grinning half sweetheart" an hour later as he slipped into a cigar-store Desperately Renny tried to free telephone booth, dialed a number. himself. "I'm afraid you've made a mistake—" "You were right, chief, she's ready to he started. rat on us," he reported tersely. Then he blushed. The girl had pulled Words sputtered into the receiver. his head down, was holding up a pair of The grin vanished from the cab driver's face. inviting lips. Even as Renny gulped, she "Naw. She didn't spill nothin' on the yanked his head on down with surprising way in from the airport. Kept insistin' she'd strength. Her lips landed somewhere in the only talk to this Doc Savage. From what I vicinity of his ear. gathered, seems like she went out there with "Play up! Play up!" she whispered, some crazy notion of savin' this Doc from and there was desperation in her voice. "Get somethin', then found out he was O. K. This me to a cab as quickly as possible, and Renny guy showed up just as she was about please help me keep my face hidden." to leave." Renny swallowed hard. He had been Again the cab driver listened. in many places where quick thinking was "Naw," he repeated. "This guy didn't necessary, but never in one where he had take her to Doc Savage's office. She said been thrown in contact with quite such a somethin' about being afraid that place might pretty girl. be watched. They're in a hideout up here on What it was all about he didn't know, Eighty-first Street. I don't think she'll do any but he did show that he could take things in talkin' until the bronze bird shows up." their stride. The cab driver was correct on that. He wrapped one big arm about the And Doc Savage was far downtown when girl's slender form, keeping her face pressed Renny's message reached him. In fact, the against his coat. He even managed a grin. bronze man was talking to the police "There, there," he soothed moving commissioner at the time. swiftly toward a grinning cab driver. "I'm "I would like to offer you some hope, home safe, and that's all that counts." Mr. Savage," the commissioner was saying A moment later and they were inside sadly. "I like Monk and Ham myself, but the the cab. evidence against them is overpowering. I'm "And now what is this all about?" even willing to admit that they did not commit Renny demanded angrily. the crime in their right minds, and probably The cab whirled noisily, raced toward will get off lightly. But when this Marcella the city. The girl raised tragic eyes toward Walling's body is found, they must be tried Renny. for murder." "I'm Marcella Walling," she said Doc did not answer for a moment. simply. Heat impulses were flashing against his Renny started. "Marcella Walling! wrist. The girl Monk and Ham are accused of "May I used your telephone?" he killing?" asked quickly. 54 DOC SAVAGE The commissioner nodded, face "For the present, I am afraid it would be too showing surprise. Doc talked swiftly when the dangerous for her. I wish, also, that you connection was made, then extended the would arrest the man who testified he saw telephone toward the police head. The Monk and Ham carrying a body toward the commissioner looked even more surprised. A river. The man is a perjurer." moment later he looked as if he doubted his The commissioner nodded. senses. "This is Marcella Walling," came a soft voice. "I am sorry I cannot explain to you HAM swallowed hard. Monk's ears fully now, but Mr. Savage will be able to do got red. "Do you mean Marcella pulled this?" so later. But I am alive. I never was in the the hairy chemist moaned. least danger. Ham and Monk were framed. Doc nodded. Those pictures you were given were posed Ham said nothing at all. He looked deliberately while they were under the strangely abashed. influence of a narcotic that prevented them "An' we thought you were dead!" from remembering what had happened." Monk rumbled on. "How did you escape? The commissioner gulped. "Miss Where is Renny? And how did you get us out Walling—if you are Miss Walling," he half of here?" shouted. "Do you realize you are confessing Doc did not answer. For the second to a felony? That you have participated in a time in minutes heat flashes came to his hoax that may cost you dearly—" wrist. But there were only a few flashes this "I realize it may cost my life," the girl time. They stopped suddenly. assured him gently. The bronze man whirled toward the Doc reached forward, took the street, led the way at a run toward his waiting telephone from the commissioner's limp car. hand. "Trouble," he said briefly. "Shall we stay here or go to the With the skill of a racing pilot, Doc office, Doc?" came Renny's voice. "I thought Savage sent his car speeding toward traffic. maybe this would be the best place. We can But even with that skill the trip to Eighty-first stay here until you get Monk and Ham out. Street was a slow one. It was near the rush And maybe in the meantime this young vixen hour. The streets were jammed. will tell me what it's all about." On the way, the bronze man gave "Remain there," Doc answered his aids a brief summary of what had briefly. happened since he had last seen them. And Later, he was to regret that decision. they reported as much as they knew of what had happened to them. Both Monk and Ham were as serious THE police commissioner still had as Doc as they reached the apartment where not recovered. His face mirrored doubt mixed Renny had been waiting with Marcella with genuine relief. Then suspicion flared Walling. The apartment was one all of Doc's quickly. aids used occasionally for sleeping quarters. "When you came in here you didn't So far as they knew, its existence was know that girl had been found, did you?" he unknown to outsiders. demanded. But then, they didn't know about the Doc shook his head. cab driver either. "Then how—" None was surprised when they found The bronze man's gold-flecked eyes the apartment vacant. They had expected flickered slightly. He motioned toward the that. And the reason why Renny had sent oversized wrist watch he wore. "A signaling only a brief message was easily explained. device," he explained briefly. "And now, will There had been a fight, and a good you release Monk and Ham?" one. But without question Renny had lost, The commissioner hesitated a scrapper though he was. On the floor were moment longer. "It's highly irregular," he shattered fragments of the oversized wrist complained, "but under the circumstances—" watch he had used to signal Doc, "I will guarantee that we will produce undoubtedly broken in the fight. the girl as soon as possible," Doc promised. THE PURPLE DRAGON 55 "Renny had time to send only three Doc, however, examined the body letters," Doc explained. The bronze man was closely. His physician's training indicated far graver than usual. "Those letters were 'F- plainly the man had been dead only a short A-L—'" while, possibly not more than fifteen minutes. "Falcan," breathed Ham. The bronze man recognized the "Of course," Monk roared scornfully. victim, but he said nothing. The last time Doc "We will call on Mr. Falcan," Doc said had seen the man he had been in Falcan's softly. law office, had presented a note Falcan had All three understood they might be left for Doc and Renny. too late. Marcella Walling undoubtedly knew Monk and Ham made a quick tour of too much to be allowed to live. And naturally the apartment as Doc was inspecting the Renny would have to be eliminated also. body. Their report was one that all had expected. "Empty," they said tersely. Chapter XVIII "Falcan's study is here on the right," AN ALARM SOUNDS Ham added. Doc nodded. If clues were to be FIELDING FALCAN'S bachelor found, that was the most likely spot. quarters consisted of a penthouse on one of All three saw the note at almost the New York's towering apartment houses. same moment. It had been tucked under the The doorman insisted that Falcan top of an old-fashioned desk. The note read: wasn't in. The clerk in the lobby gave the same report. Falcan, they said, had gone out I have been obliged to kill, and now I with a friend—a male friend. must pay the penalty. Whoever finds this will Doc thanked him politely and left the understand. Blackmail is a vicious thing. And building. The bronze man did not seem to be blackmailers deserve to die. There is no use exerting any effort, but he moved unusually looking for me. My plans have been made for fast. He went around to the side of the a long time. I intend to disappear, to vanish building. from this country. A moment more and he was going Fielding Falcan. up the wall like a human fly. Neither Monk nor Ham showed surprise. They had seen "He's already run out," Monk said Doc do that before. Doc entered a window of excitedly. "Do you suppose that means the inclosed, flame-proof fire escape. Then Renny—" he dropped a knotted rope. Monk went up it Monk didn't finish, but Ham easily. Ham almost as fast. understood what he meant. It did look as if Then the three were racing up the Renny probably was already dead. stairs toward the roof. There was a locked "I don't think Falcan has left the door at the top, but that delayed them only a country," Doc said calmly. "He may be dead, few seconds. however." Doc drew a small instrument from his Ham and Monk looked their equipment kit and worked it expertly. The amazement, even though they had often lock yielded. Seconds later they were at the seen Doc find things they had overlooked. door to the penthouse. "B-but, Doc," Monk objected. None expected to find Falcan home. "How—" They had believed the doorman and the Doc pointed to the note he held. clerk. But Falcan's residence should contain "Falcan wrote this note all right," he said, "but some clue that would lead them to the I believe he wrote it under duress. If you will whereabouts of the Purple Dragon. look closely on the bottom of the paper you The door to the penthouse also was will see another message he left." locked, but it offered no more difficulty than Monk and Ham leaned forward. So the previous lock had. Just inside, they found faint as to be almost indiscernible, was one the dead man. A bullet had taken off most of word. That word had evidently been his head. scratched with a fingernail. It was: Kidnaped. 56 DOC SAVAGE That Doc felt so also was soon Doc found the sheet of paper with shown. He pulled two strange-appearing the names and figures on it. It looked like pistols from the car, gave one to Monk, one Greek to Monk, but the bronze man to Ham. The pistols had peculiar-looking appeared almost satisfied, as if a theory had magazines on the top. Designed by Doc, been borne out. they fired at very high speed, but they fired a There were many names and many bullet that barely pierced the skin. They were figures, such as "Fred Fisher in the First—60 effective, however, for each injected an grand. Chase up on J. Harding—120 g." At anaesthetic that brought quick the bottom a total had been scrawled. The unconsciousness. total was more than five million. Getting over the fence was easy. Ham frowned slightly. There was Doc drove the car alongside it softly. Then something faintly familiar about one name on each got on top of the car and jumped over that list. Then he got it. It was "Fred Fisher in the top strand of wire. the First." A few moments later, they had That editorial he had read had drifted to the rear of the big, dismal-looking mentioned that very name, had said Pal building. Hatrack, the racket king, had been in the Doc avoided windows and a door habit of giving his men horse-race tips like that loomed invitingly. Without question, the that and telling them to remember them place was protected by alarms of all kinds. always. He produced a small object. In Ham thought he almost had it when appearance it was something like a bicycle a howl came from Monk. Monk was waving a pump, except that a small tube extended receipt book. from the end, and on the side was a small "Got it! I think I got it!" the hairy container. chemist bellowed excitedly. "Look, Doc!" Doc worked the piston of the pump Monk thumbed through stubs of the several times, very rapidly. Flames appeared book rapidly. Each month there was a stub from the tube at the other end. The flame did showing $500 had been paid for rent of a not extend far, but it was white hot. warehouse. The address of the warehouse The bronze man held the flame was out on Long Island. toward a blank space in the wall. The flame "What would a lawyer be doing with did its work. Magically, it seemed, a hole was a warehouse like that?" Monk demanded. cut through iron sheeting and the wood The lobby clerk looked up in beyond. amazement as the three came down from the Doc entered first. He was gone for penthouse in an elevator. His amazement several minutes before he returned as changed to horror a moment later. silently as he had left and motioned Monk "You've got a dead man up in and Ham after him. Falcan's place," Ham said calmly. "Better call Cautiously, using no light, the three the police." advanced, Doc in the lead, the others The clerk was still stuttering, still keeping contact by touch. trying to tell the doorman to stop them when There was a dry, dusty smell inside they got into their car. the warehouse, and another smell also, one Doc stepped down on the that seemed almost like that of sulphur. accelerator. They hurtled in the direction of After a few steps, Monk found Doc Long Island. was leading them up a stairway. It was just dark when they reached They were almost at the top when their destination. the voice came. The warehouse was in an isolated "Stand still or I'll shoot!" it rapped. spot. It was surrounded by a high wire fence. Monk and Ham froze instantly. The A brief investigation was all that was needed mercy pistols in their hands came up ready to show that the fence was wired to sound an for action. alarm. Doc's voice came to them in a barely That information made Monk and audible whisper. "It is all right," the bronze Ham feel easier. They were on the right man said. "The voice is a mechanical device. track. THE PURPLE DRAGON 57 I did not take time to find how to disconnect it They knew that, without doubt, they after I found that it does not sound an alarm." had been drugged. That was why things had It was just as well it was dark. Both seemed so hazy to them. And that was why the hairy chemist and Ham would have they had been fooled so completely. shown the confusion they felt otherwise. "But there's something wrong yet," But a moment later they could not Monk whispered softly. "Dope couldn't make hide their confusion. me imagine all them things alone. That there A pencil flash appeared in Doc's Purple Dragon—" hands, shot its beam straight ahead. It was He shut up. Ham didn't answer. But all Monk and Ham could do to keep from he was thinking the same thing. shouting out in alarm. A short time later they reached Facing them were two vicious- another room that Doc illuminated briefly. It looking dryopithecus! meant nothing to Monk or Ham. It would have meant a lot to Hiram Shalleck. He would have recognized it as the scene of his DOC didn't say anything. He didn't last big celebration. With stage scenery, have to. Time was all that was needed for his chairs and bottles, it resembled a prohibition aids to figure it out for themselves. speakeasy. The dryopithecus were no longer Doc slowed suddenly. Monk and alive. In fact, they never had been. Now that Ham halted. There was no noise, but both Monk and Ham were no longer foggy of Monk and Ham realized without knowing how mind, they could see the animals had they knew that they were no longer alone. apparently been manufactured in the last ten Doc moved away from them. He years. moved as silently as a shadow. From The reason they were no longer somewhere up ahead came a startled active was because no men were hidden squawk. inside them in the vacant spaces that had The bronze man's aids understood been left for such animation. then what had happened. Doc had And then Monk and Ham noticed encountered a guard. other things about the room they were in. They weren't prepared, however, for There were several artificial trees; there were what came next. huge canvases stretched on framework. Doc had surprised the guard all right, Forest scenes had been painted on the had rendered him unconscious with a single canvases. quick blow. But the guard had been standing Comprehension dawned, slowly and directly before a signal button. As he embarrassingly. collapsed he hit that button. Monk didn't say anything at all. Ham Brilliant lights flared on. Somewhere didn't want to, but he spoke in spite of in the distance an alarm sounded himself. deafeningly. "Now I remember," he mumbled. "There was a show on Broadway several years ago that used such scenery, and also Chapter XIX used fake animals like that." THREE AGAINST A MOB Doc cut off the flashlight, led the way ahead slowly. THE alarm was shut off almost at Part of what had happened wasn't once. But, in the silence that followed, the hard for Monk and Ham to figure out now. sound of running feet could be heard. Men, They had finally recognized where they were. many men, were rushing toward the source The big warehouse was one that of the alarm. bought discarded stage scenery and Doc Savage acted quickly. equipment. And they had been made the For the moment those summoned by victims of such equipment. the alarm might think that it had been While neither would admit it, a big sounded accidentally. They would know load went off the mind of each. They had differently if they found the unconscious body been sane all the time. of the guard. 58 DOC SAVAGE The bronze man traded places with bronze man was still wearing shoes he had the guard. taken from the unconscious Red back in It wasn't quite as simple as that, but Juarez. it almost seemed so. Monk and Ham never Dude Starg had recognized those had seen Doc work so fast. shoes, had realized he was facing Doc He shifted clothes, he applied make- Savage. up swiftly. There wasn't time to do a thorough The nattily dressed killer uttered a job. He didn't even try to do so. His face scream of almost insane terror. He went for appeared to change expression even without his gun. His hand moved like a streak of light. make-up, so adept was he at the art of Doc Savage moved even more acting. The guard's cap covered his bronzed swiftly. The gun was knocked from Dude's hair. hand even as it cleared the holster. Monk and Ham knew their part Others of the gunmen stood without asking. They grabbed the still-limp dumfounded, unable to understand what was figure of the guard, sought a hiding place. happening. That wasn't so easy to find. Escape Monk had moved even as Doc from the room they were in already was cut Savage had done. The hairy chemist stepped off. All they could do was dart behind some from behind the scenery, raised the mercy loosely piled scenery. pistol he held in his hand. The first of the attackers appeared. Br-r-r-r-r-r! Others materialized almost instantly. There The mercy pistol's roar sounded like must have been a score of them. All were an oversized bull fiddle. The bullets struck armed, all had their weapons ready. the lights overhead. The lights shattered. Doc had made his eyes dull and But Monk had forgotten that the sheepish, his face appeared crestfallen. entire building was brilliantly illuminated. "It w-was a dumb-bunny stunt," he Light poured in from adjoining rooms. stammered. "I . . . I musta dozed off and fell Doc had not forgotten. In the same against the alarm button." instant that Monk fired, the bronze man's Most of the armed men looked second hand swept upward. A powdery red relieved, put their weapons back in shoulder haze poured from that hand, floated on the holsters. Only the man who had been in the still air. But only for a moment. Then a match lead looked suspicious. He was a small man, flared. The red haze was transformed into a nattily dressed. thick, choking screen of black smoke. "Got a cold or somethin', Duncan?" Dude Starg rasped. "Or have you been drinkin' on the job again?" MONK and Ham dived forward to "Duncan" looked down sheepishly. reach Doc's side. They collided with some of "J-just one or two, perhaps," he confessed the terror-stricken gunmen. weakly. The fight was one that the hairy Dude snorted angrily. "If this job chemist really enjoyed. It was the first time wasn't almost over I'd blast you for that," he he had been able to tackle overwhelming snarled. odds with a chance for victory. He had that Monk and Ham, behind the scenery, chance this time because his opponents not sighed with relief. Doc had put it over again. only couldn't see him, they didn't know he Not only their lives, but the lives of Renny was there until he smashed into them. Monk and Marcella had hung in the balance. But didn't try to use science. And it was now— impossible to pick his targets. He simply The hairy chemist groaned swiftly. lashed out in all directions, his hammerlike Dude Starg's expression had fists working like a riveting machine. changed suddenly. An incredulous, almost Then strong arms seized the chemist fearful look crossed his features. He was from behind. Monk grunted in surprise. He staring down, was staring at the shoes on tensed his own huge muscles and heaved "Duncan's" feet. desperately. His opponent was yanked from Doc was the first to realize the his feet, but his grip about Monk didn't break. significance of that. There had not been time They both went to the floor, and Monk to trade shoes with the real Duncan. The managed to get one arm free. He pounded THE PURPLE DRAGON 59 desperately. With equal force blows smashed shots fired at him would have caught him in into his own face. His already homely the head. countenance was again changed—and not The bronze man paused for a for the better. moment. He passed dark-colored glasses to All other sounds of conflict had died his aids. Then he turned on a peculiar out. Evidently he was left alone with the only flashlight. man brave enough to stand up against him. None of those seeking him saw the The fight never did reach a real light from that flash. It was another of Doc's conclusion. The thick smoke in the room adaptations of ultra-ray light, invisible except vanished as quickly as it had appeared. through special glass. Monk found he was staring into Then the three ran forward swiftly. Ham's tense features. Ham had his arm back They could see what the "ghosts" were now, for another blow into Monk's face. knew that they were nothing but cloth with "Daggonit, you sap!" Monk moaned. skeletons drawn on them. But beside each "You dumb ape!" Ham retorted. "ghost" crouched a gunman, ready to shoot They might have resumed the battle at any flash of light. if Doc hadn't stopped them. The bronze man Doc's course led toward the front of had vanished from the room as soon as the the building. They had almost reached there smoke had hidden him from view. He when the ghostly voice spoke again. reappeared just as silently. "This way," he This time that voice was perfectly called softly. calm and assured. It was a familiar voice. Monk lumbered up as Ham bounced "Use of ultraviolet rays has long been to his feet. They started toward Doc. a pastime of mine, also, Mr. Savage," the Blam! Blam! voice said. "I congratulate you. But now the A pistol spoke sharply, and from time for play is past. I see that I must close range. Monk grunted. The slugs had convince you I mean business. I will. Step caught him in the belly. Only the bulletproof into the office directly at your right. Look in underwear he wore had saved him. In the the television set you see there." same instant all lights in the building went "Fielding Falcan!" Monk roared. He out. A ghostly voice reverberated hollowly: glared around defiantly. He could not see "Doc Savage! You and your men where Falcan was hidden, although he knew cannot escape. Surrender now, and escape he must be near. Monk wanted to go on, to the Purple Dragon. Fight, and you will be fight it out. sent back into the world gibbering idiots." Doc stopped him. The bronze man Ham shivered slightly. Monk's palms was a judge of voices. And this time he knew went moist with cold perspiration. The Purple there was no bluffing. He turned into the Dragon had treated them leniently before, but office at his right. this time— A television set was there, all right. It Doc broke the spell. He caught his was turned on. aids by the arm, pulled them. At first nothing was to be seen And then they saw the ghosts. Or at except a bare room. Then a stage came into least that is what they seemed to be. view—a strange-looking stage. Phosphorescent figures of skeletons reared "The room of the Purple Dragon!" up in the gloom. The figures were spaced Ham gasped. wide apart, almost seemed to form a lane. The scene shifted again. It shifted to Each of those figures held a gun. Renny and Marcella. It was Ham who shot this time. He The two were seated directly before grabbed his mercy pistol, blazed away at the the stage of the Purple Dragon. They were nearest of the "ghosts." The mercy bullets not tied, but they seemed unable to move. had no effect on the "ghosts." They did draw Falcan's voice came from the a rain of lead from the darkness beside that loudspeaker of the television set. figure. "Nothing can save them—except Doc had yanked Ham forward as you, Doc Savage. Surrender, permit yourself soon as the dapper lawyer had fired. That to be made a prisoner for a few hours, and I was all that saved Ham, for some of the shall spare these two. Refuse, and before you can reach them the Purple Dragon will 60 DOC SAVAGE tear into their minds. You will find they will Inside the room of the Purple never be sane again." Dragon, Monk and Ham had stopped in For a moment Doc and his aids were amazement. Three people were there, not silent. The same sure conviction was in the two. Renny and Marcella they had expected. minds of all three. Surrender would not save They had not thought to see the third. Renny and Marcella. Neither would further Only Doc showed no surprise as he fighting. looked into the fear-stricken features of the They were really faced by a problem real Fielding Falcan. Falcan also seemed that had no answer. But all three knew what paralyzed. their answer had to be. Doc put it into words. But he could talk. "Y-you were our "Tell us what you want us to do," he last hope," he sobbed. "N-now that hope is said calmly. gone." "Daggonit," Monk half shouted. "I'm all mixed up. If you're Falcan, then who is MONK and Ham could have been that man outside?" forgiven some show of emotion then. They "G-Grover Tiler!" Falcan stuttered. knew something of what they were facing. "The real master mind behind the And they knew Falcan was making no idle Purple Dragon," Doc added quietly. "As you boast about the power of the Purple Dragon. should have realized from what we But now that the crisis had come, each encountered tonight, he is a man who has appeared just as calm as Doc. mastered magic and, in fact, tried about Falcan's voice gave instructions. everything, to further his evil plans." Those instructions were obeyed. Without hesitation the three threw away their weapons. They left the small room they were Chapter XX in, walked down a hallway, then descended a THE DRAGON BREATHES flight of stairs. Standing far across from them was EERIE, wild laughter floated through the distinguished, gray-haired figure of the room of the Purple Dragon. Fielding Falcan. Beside him stood Dude "Yes, I am the real master mind," Starg. The little killer was grinning cruelly. said Grover Tiler. He no longer imitated "Walk forward slowly. When you Falcan's cultured tones. "Falcan thought he come to the big door on your left, open it and was the brains. He even plotted to kill me, to enter," Falcan ordered sharply. "Try no tricks, deprive me of my share in millions. But I or those inside the room will be slain fooled him, and now he is going insane or instantly. And do not try to escape once you going to die—as you are all going insane or are in there. That is impossible" to your deaths." The voice rose to a Without change of expression, the hysterical pitch. "And I . . . I'm going to have three walked forward. They knew that all they all the millions!" could do was to share the fate of those Renny turned agonized eyes toward within, but they did not hesitate. Doc. "I'm sorry I got you into this," he said The gray-haired man grinned sharply simply. as the heavy door closed behind the trio. The bronze man did not reply. Instantly he leaped forward, threw a steel bar Instead, he took a certain powder from his in place. The door would have withstood the equipment vest, put some of the powder on charge of a battering-ram. the tongues of Renny, Marcella and Falcan. "Got them," the gray-haired man "Swallow that, and the anaesthetic exulted. "Dude, round up those hoodlums of that holds you paralyzed will be neutralized, yours, get them in that steel room in the you will be free to move," he said calmly. basement—then lock them in." Grover Tiler's wild laughter came Dude looked at him with narrowed again. "And much good it will do you," he eyes. The gray-haired man nodded. "Right. shrilled. "Watch. The Purple Dragon is soon They are out now. Just two people share in to appear." what we've got. You and me." Lights in the room dimmed suddenly, Dude grinned again, a thin, were replaced with a soft, purple glow. murderous grin. He raced away. THE PURPLE DRAGON 61 Marcella Walling began to sob softly. Monk felt his senses reeling, felt as "A-and I played a part in all this," she cried. he had felt once before. A queer, peculiar Monk looked at her scornfully, but odor was in the room. Doc said, "I think I understand your role, and The flames darted out, then receded, why you played it." moved close, then backed up. The purple light was growing Ham was dizzy also, but he felt he stronger. Fielding Falcan's nerves gave way. understood what Tiler was doing. Tiler "I know what is going to happen. I know! I intended either to kill or to drive his victims know! Kill us, Doc Savage! Do not let us insane, but he had a criminal's egotism, he suffer!" wanted all his victims to know just how smart Doc ignored him. When he spoke it he was before their end came. was to his aids. Doc evidently had the same idea. "The plot originally began, I believe, But the bronze man had ideas of his own, when Falcan, who had been Pal Hatrack's also. It had been apparent to Doc, from the attorney, knew that Hatrack was dead and first description of the Purple Dragon, that decided to collect the millions the racketeer either hypnotism or drugs were used to had left behind. Is not that correct, Falcan?" create the proper illusions in the minds of his The gray-haired lawyer nodded victims. dumbly. And the bronze man had been "But there was a catch to it," the prepared. He handed a small capsule to bronze man went on. "Hatrack had hidden each of his five companions. "Take this," he his money in many safe-deposit vaults in said crisply. "Then turn around. Do not face many different banks. Falcan knew this, the fire." because Hatrack trusted him enough to leave Grover Tiler's weird laughter came the safe-deposit keys with him. Hatrack was as an echo. safe enough in this, because Falcan did not "Go on, Doc," Ham urged. The know what name Hatrack had used in renting dapper lawyer was staring peculiarly at each safe-deposit box." Marcella Walling. He was remembering the "And there were millions waiting bronze man's words to her. there. Millions!" Falcan moaned. "All there, "Falcan contacted Tiler, I imagine," waiting for me to get them." Doc said. Falcan nodded. "Falcan was smart," Doc continued "And Tiler is one of the greatest calmly. "He also had heard that Hatrack had builders of magical equipment in the world." told different members of his mob to "He originally intended the Dragon remember what they thought were tips on the for vaudeville," Falcan said numbly. "Then races, such as 'Fred Fisher in the First.' What vaudeville went out." that actually meant was that Hatrack had Doc nodded. "An alliance was made. taken a safe-deposit box in the First National Falcan, with the help of Dude Starg, started Bank under the name of Fred Fisher." to round up former members of Hatrack's "But I had to find out those names," gang. They found some of them had lost all Falcan said. The gray-haired criminal lawyer memory of their former lives. The Dragon spoke as if in a daze. "I had to find the right became doubly valuable. men, those who had been told the things to "These men were brought here— remember. And after that I had to make them Hiram Shalleck was one of them. Under the talk. That's—" terrible influence of the Dragon, their minds Falcan broke off. All in that room, were short-circuited, they forgot their recent except Doc, jumped. For heavy curtains were lives, became again as they had been in the pulling back from the stage at one end of the past." room. And through the opening left in those "I can tell you what came next." curtains flames were shooting, hot, blistering Marcella Walling's voice was bitter, but a flame. certain grim courage seemed to sustain her. "That's where I came in," came "I was hired for the next act. Falcan Grover Tiler's shrill, mocking voice. needed stage settings, he had to put his The flame darted out farther and victims back in familiar scenes, make them farther. think it was 1929 or '28. They really forgot the present and were living in the past. Then 62 DOC SAVAGE he would give them drink, and after a while Those in the room of the Purple they would tell him what he wanted to know. Dragon had forgotten for a moment the He would go to the right bank, and since he terrible peril they faced. Tiler's voice brought could forge Hatrack's writing, he would sign that peril back. the correct name and collect the money. Marcella Walling's face became "This warehouse, all this stage white, she seemed to sway. Involuntarily, equipment helped him. But he needed actors Ham took a step toward her. Monk's big fists and actresses, also. I was broke. He hired clenched. me on pretense of giving me a film test, told Renny got out of his chair, came to me I was to act out a scene. I did. In that stand by Doc. He was ready to die, but he scene I was supposed to shoot a man who wanted to die beside the bronze man who annoyed me. The gun had real bullets." was his idol. Ham gasped. Lots of things were Only Falcan broke down. The gray- clear, things the girl didn't have to explain. haired lawyer went completely to pieces. His Falcan had held the killing over the girl as a hysterical cries filled the room, drowned out club. She didn't see any hope of escape. He even the roar of flames that ever grew had forced her to trap Monk and Ham. He louder. had forced her to play a part in the murder Those cries seemed to act as a spur frame-up. to Grover Tiler. "Here it is, damn you!" he "The Purple Dragon snapped shouted. memories of its victims back to the date The curtains rolled back with a Falcan wished," Doc summarized swiftly. sudden swing. The crimson of hot flames "The stage settings did the rest. Those who mixed with the dull light of the room. showed signs of recalling what had And then they all saw the Purple happened to them were slain and their bones Dragon! bleached. Others confessed to ancient crimes. We became involved because of Shalleck, so we also became enemies." EVEN knowing it was an illusion, the Ham nodded. The dapper lawyer Purple Dragon still was fearsome. could figure out most of the rest of it for Ten feet high, with large staring eyes himself. Falcan, as lawyer for Hatrack, knew and slimy body, the "Dragon" was shooting plenty of gangsters. He had used them to aid multicolored fire from its open mouth. him, with Dude Starg as their leader. Those eyes were weird and strange. Ham wondered why he hadn't They sparkled with a hideous flame. thought of Tiler before as still being living. Ham felt his gaze riveted on those Since Doc and Renny had escaped the strange eyes, felt his senses reel, felt as if terrific explosion, there was no reason to trip hammers were working in his brain, were suppose the resourceful Tiler hadn't tearing that brain apart. arranged an escape for himself. Then he Doc Savage did something unusual recalled Doc saying Tiler apparently had for him. He shouted. committed suicide. "Do not look! Fall on the floor!" Doc seemed to sense Ham's It is doubtful if anyone but Doc thought. "It was because I saw Tiler breathe, Savage would have been obeyed. The secret knew he was not dead, that I knew Renny of those eyes never was discovered, and I were in danger," he explained. "And I although it undoubtedly was a hypnotic light saw two wires in one of Tiler's hands. It of some kind. Those in the chamber of the seemed safe to assume an explosion of Purple Dragon fell to the floor. some kind was planned." The spell was broken. "And I did it cleverly," came Tiler's Grover Tiler, standing safe behind mocking voice. "I even made Falcan think I the Dragon, operating the controls, gave a was dead. I waited until he had collected all wild, awful yell. those millions for me. Then I went for him. I He reached for a lever. Doc Savage had to kill the fool clerk he had with him. But I shouted again—he shouted a warning to was safe. No one knows I live. No one will Grover Tiler. ever know. I—" The magician, now stripped of his disguise as Falcan, standing straight and THE PURPLE DRAGON 63 erect, dressed entirely in black, did not heed. had intended to flee with that after wiping out He pulled the lever all the way back. all who even knew of the fortune or knew he A sheet of flame roared, a was alive. A time bomb was found near the tremendous, blasting sheet that turned all it cellar door where the gunmen were touched to cinders. imprisoned. They were to have died. Tiler had expected that flame to fill Probably Tiler intended to kill Dude Starg the chamber of the Purple Dragon. It did not. also. It roared backward. The gunmen in the basement went to In an instant Tiler was turned into a Doc's upstate hospital. In some cases they burned, charred skeleton. later took jobs that had been vacated by the Outside the big door that led to the Dragon's victims. But that was much later. chamber of the Purple Dragon, Dude Starg Monk, for a time, was afraid there heard a terrible scream. He had heard was almost too much romantic interest screams like that before. For an instant there between Marcella Walling and Ham. Monk was silence, then a voice came, a voice that admitted Marcella was really a beautiful girl, sounded like that of Grover Tiler. but he didn't want Ham to marry. "You may open the door now, Dude," Then Marcella's affections had the voice said. seemed to cool. She remained Ham's good Dude threw open the door. He never friend, but that was all. Ham never knew did know Doc had tricked him with what happened. ventriloquism. Fielding Falcan rushed out. Doc did discover, but the bronze Falcan and Dude saw each other in man never told. But for one of the few times the same instant. Falcan knew Dude had in his life he smiled. In one way it was Ham's double-crossed him. Dude knew that Falcan own fault. In another it was Monk's. If Ham knew. ever had learned, Monk would probably have Both went for their guns. Both guns been made hard to catch. blazed at the same moment. Marcella asked Ham for his picture Doc Savage had leaped forward, "so I can always visualize you as you really trying to halt what he saw was coming, even are, even when you are away from me." as he had tried to save Grover Tiler. He was Ham asked Monk to deliver the too late. Both Falcan and Dude were dead. picture. Monk delivered one all right, it even had an inscription on it, but it wasn't the one Ham sent. LATER, much later, Monk, Ham and Marcella never did understand why Renny figured out what must have Ham would want to shatter her ideals, happened. Doc had disappeared for a time particularly when he knew she liked well- during the fight in the warehouse. dressed men. Undoubtedly he had found the lair of the The picture she received was a very Dragon. Doc rarely left anything to chance. If much enlarged one. It showed Ham, covered he and his men were caught, he knew they with hair, hanging by his tail from a tree. The might have to face that Dragon. He had inscription on it read: reversed the control wires that governed the sheet of flame. Clothes can hide many Grover Tiler had died as a result of imperfections. I want you to know me as I his own monster, as many of Doc's enemies really am. had died before. Falcan and Dude had died Ham. because of the very motive that had impelled them to crime in the first place. Greed! A suitcase with nearly five million THE END dollars in large bills was found in a safe in the warehouse office. Collected by Falcan, Tiler 64 DOC SAVAGE DEVILS OF THE DEEP A smashing, thrilling, up-to-the-minute battle of brains and brawn, and clever international intrigue. One of the best Doc Savage novels yet—all complete in the next issue. DOC SAVAGE MAGAZINE 10 Cents—Everywhere
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