“I’ll keep close to the building.”
Flash lowered himself to the ledge, and had the boy hand down his camera and bag. Below him, pedestrians no larger than ants moved briskly along. Autos with dimmed headlights made a moving pattern between the street lamps.
After one quick glance, Flash did not look down again. He felt dizzy for a moment but the sensation soon passed. With a steady hand, he took two pictures.
Thinking he might get an even more interesting shot from the corner of the building, he then moved cautiously along the wall. To reach the place which he had in mind, it would be necessary to pass directly in front of the hotel restaurant. Windows were open, and Flash knew that his unexpected appearance on the ledge might startle any diner who chanced to see him. But his only concern was for his picture.
As he edged past a window, Flash glanced curiously inside. While darkness partially shielded him, he could see every person in the room distinctly. His gaze focused upon a table where three men sat engrossed in conversation.
Involuntarily, Flash stopped and stared. He was certain he did not know the diners, yet the profile of one of the men seemed strangely familiar. Where had he seen him before?
As he started to move on again, the man spoke to his companions. Flash could not have heard the conversation had he tried, but the tone of voice carried clearly. The man spoke with a slight hesitation.
“In general build that fellow looks a lot like the man I chased from Sam Davis’ place!” Flash thought excitedly. “His manner of talking fits in with the description, too. Just for the fun of it, I’ll find out who he is!”
CHAPTER XV
PUBLICITY PLUS
Flash hastily took his final picture without attracting the attention of diners inside the restaurant. He then crept back to the open window and was helped through.