The Phantom is actually Richard Curtis Van Loan, a world-famous detective, whose true identity is only known by one man—Frank Havens.

"Ricco scowled. But a crafty light showed in his eyes. "Mob?" he echoed naively. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Cut the stall, Ricco. Just get this! Your mob's taken a powder on you! They've all sold out to Monk Gorman--every one of 'em!"

Ricco's fleshy body stiffened. The diagonal scar on his cheek suddenly stood out, livid. His voice roared."