“Just wanted to check up,” said Harry. “There’s a gray-headed fellow inside. Not quite sure of him. I think I saw him once before — “
“The guy who lays a few bets, then quits, and exercises between innings?”
Harry nodded, grinning.
“He’s O.K.,” said Marmosa. “He’s been in a couple times. Colliver, the advertising man, introduced him. Don’t worry about him.”
Harry put on a look of relief. “Well, if he’s all right, everything’s all right,” he advanced. “Guess I can step out for a few minutes, then. I wanted to change my room over at the hotel. O.K.?”
“Sure thing, Vincent,” said Marmosa. “But come into the office first. You can do something for me while you’re out.”
The proprietor led the way. Within the small room, he drew an envelope from the desk drawer.
“Take this to the bootblack shop down the alley,” Marmosa directed. “First alley down the street; halfway up the block on the right. Be sure you give it to the boss. Just ask for Angelo.”
Harry took the envelope, thrusting it into his pocket, and left. He would drop off the envelope first, then cut through the alley to his hotel.
Probably the envelope held hush money for some cop. Harry understood that Marmosa paid various police officers for protection.