Throughout the dives of the Underworld and in the dens of criminals, the news was spread in eager whispers: The Boss will get the Spider! He'll make himself th' biggest shot in the country!... But those nearest the criminal genius sat silent, remembering the horrible acid vat reserved for those who talked too much. Richard Weatworth—that grim Spider who strikes when the Law fails or dares not—faces the bitterest decision of his life. His servants have been maddened, his beloved Nita is a hostage to doom, and he must brand Kirkpatrick—his very dearest friend—with the red seal of the Spider!