The Phantom is actually Richard Curtis Van Loan, a world-famous detective, whose true identity is only known by one man—Frank Havens. "The bright, dazzlingly clear Arizona sky gave no hint of the ominous. Outside the two-story frame building housing the temporary national radio network concentrated at Rock Canyon Dam, a midday sun gleamed brazenly down upon the several thousand sweltering, enthusiastic citizens and officials expectantly milling about the giant dam a half mile away."