“Did you get what you were after?” asked the bellboy.
“I think so,” answered Flash, taking a coin from his pocket. “Thanks for your trouble.”
The boy locked the bedroom door behind them, and they went out into the hall.
“I notice the café is on this floor,” remarked Flash carelessly. “I believe I’ll drop around there for a bite to eat.”
Without question the bellboy accepted his explanation and went away. Left alone, camera strap over his shoulder, Flash drifted down the hall to the doorway of the restaurant. Unobserved for a moment, he stood there watching. The three men who had drawn his attention were still seated at their table near the window.
The head waiter came over to where Flash stood, “How many in your party, sir?”
“No party,” said Flash, tapping his camera case. “I’m just looking over the situation.”
“Oh, a photographer,” the waiter murmured. “I suppose Mr. Hodges sent you to take publicity pictures?”
The question gave Flash a sudden idea.
“May I set up my tripod wherever I like?” he asked.