Sheedy said: “Right away, Lonny” — bowed himself out. He was back in about a minute, asked Kells to come into the hallway. “Some fellows just came in” — he inclined his head toward the front of the place — “asked if Lonny was here. I said no.”

“Who are they?”

“Man named Arnie Taylor — a Negro — and three white boys. I don’t know them.”

Kells said: “Who’s Taylor?”

Sheedy shook his head. “I don’t think he’s a — particular friend of Lonny’s.”

“Where’s Rose?” Kells spoke very softly, quickly.

Sheedy looked surprised. Then he smiled slowly. “I’m afraid you’ve got some wrong ideas.”

Kells waited; Sheedy went on: “I haven’t the slightest idea.”

Kells looked at him sleepily, silently.

Sheedy said: “He was here last night — I haven’t seen him since.”