Clyde went back to the Badger Building after he left headquarters. He sent a long envelope in to Rutledge Mann by the stenographer. The girl returned to tell Clyde that Mr. Mann would call him later.
Back at the Classic office, Clyde busied himself with the Wise Owl column. He had gathered numerous rumors of doubtful authenticity, and now prepared them in the form of a story which promised much and told little. It was five o’clock when he received a telephone call.
“This is Jack,” said a noncommittal voice. “It doesn’t seem as though you’re ever in the office. I called before nine this morning. What are you doing tonight, Did you get my message? I left word for you to call immediately.”
“Must have been a slip-up,” replied Clyde. “Sorry, I’m busy tonight. Give me a buzz to-morrow.”
He pondered on the message. “Seem” — that meant “See M.” Thus the complete message of emphasized words was: “See M before 9 tonight. Get message. Call immediately.”
Clyde understood. The Club DeLuxe — an uptown cabaret where gangsters sometimes gathered. An ideal meeting spot, provided little was to be discussed. In that place there would be no risk, and a possible opportunity to communicate with M, whose identity Clyde knew well.
SHORTLY before seven o’clock Detective Joe Cardona appeared in the lobby of the Goliath Hotel. A man stepped forward to speak to him.
“Nothing doing yet,” he said.
“Bodine come in?”
“No. He’s expected.”