Little Joe watched him walk across the room and resume his game. He took a little splinter of wood from his pocket and began to explore his teeth thoughtfully. Then he got up and walked out into the dark night again.
He knew Spade was a dangerous guy to cross. He’d got a lot of pull and he might make things difficult for them. Well, anyway, that was Raven’s look−out. He wasn’t paid to strain his brains.
He made his way in the direction of St. Louis Hotel. The fact that he had now plenty of dough did not allow him to take a taxi. He had been so long used to being short that he could not bring himself to throw money away on unnecessary luxuries.
It was a hot night, dark and moonless, and Little Joe moved slowly, his eyes searching the shadows. At the head of the street he noticed a woman step out of the darkness and stop a guy who was hurrying towards the main street. The guy paused, then waved his hand impatiently and went on.
Little Joe grinned. Some dame was ignoring the warning he had circulated through the bookers. He put his hand in his pocket and his fingers touched the little bottle he always carried around with him. He took the bottle out and carefully removed the glass stopper. He put the glass stopper in a small metal box. Then, holding the bottle between two fingers, he sauntered slowly towards the woman.
As he drew near he could see she was scared. She was watching him as he came on. He slowed down and looked at her, his free hand adjusting his tie.
She must have thought he was all right, because she smiled at him. He could see her now. She was only quite a kid. She looked a little shabby, but she wasn’t a bad looker. Her professional smile wasn’t very gay.
He said, “I bet you’re a naughty girl.”
She came close to him. “Do you want a naughty girl?” she said, smiling with her mouth only. “I’ve got a little place just round the corner.”
“What’s the big idea?” Little Joe asked. “I’ve walked two blocks an’ you’re the first girl I’ve met.”