Silas Keene sauntered down the narrow street leading to the saloon in question, paused for a moment on the threshold, then passed in.
Soon a man in blue halted in the shadows without, and waited developments. He expected that the detective would soon give the signal for assistance, but the police officer waited in vain.
Slowly the minutes passed.
An hour drew its length along, and then, becoming impatient, the man of clubs walked into the saloon.
Two men were drinking at the bar, and from beyond a screen came the sound of voices, where numerous gamesters were engaged in play.
Billy Bowlegs was himself behind the bar. He seemed to recognize the officer, for he nodded and set out a decanter of brandy and shoved it toward him.
After drinking the officer said:
"An old gentleman entered a short time since. I had my eye on him, and would like to see him."
"Man with long hair, and one eye?"
"No. A real gentleman, with gray hair and beard."