A tall man clad in a dark suit entered the Club Savilla and strolled over to the table where Pinkey Baird was seated. He sat down without a word, and looked at the menu card.
Pinkey Baird surveyed him quizzically, then looked elsewhere. But Cliff Marsland stared with furrowed brow.
The newcomer had an impassive face, and his hawklike nose gave him a stern appearance. Somehow, that face impressed Marsland.
He tried to catch a glimpse of the stranger's eyes, but failed. They were turned toward the table, except when they occasionally peered in the direction of Pinkey Baird, who was staring straight ahead, unnoticing.
Cliff had seen that man last night. The hawk-faced stranger had been seated at a table close by, while Cliff had been chatting with Biff Towley. Strangely enough, the same man had been there while Biff and Pinkey Baird had conversed. But Pinkey, unlike Cliff had not noticed his presence. Now, as Cliff Marsland ended his scrutiny, it was Pinkey Baird who found his interest aroused by the man with the hawk nose. A voice spoke at Pinkey's elbow. Surprised by the low tones, Pinkey turned suddenly to meet the gaze of two sharp, burning eyes.
"Good evening, Baird," came the even, monotonous voice. "You are waiting for Biff Towley."
"Who are you?" questioned Pinkey, in a low growl.
"That does not concern us," was the deliberate reply. "The important matter is that you are leaving here before Towley arrives."
"Yes?" Pinkey Baird raised his eyebrows "That's your idea, is it?"
"It is my order," stated the hawk-faced one.