“It’s all set, Briggs,” Bob said. “You go down to Brindle’s. Keep your eye out for Moose Shargin. Hand him the letters and give him this note.”
Bob seized a sheet of paper and scrawled a few lines in pencil. He folded the message and handed it to Briggs.
“Tell Moose to tear it up,” he added, “but drop the pieces. Say it low — just make sure that Moose is wise. He’ll probably know what to do, anyway. Don’t act suspicious, whatever you do.
“Wait, now — don’t say a word to Moose unless he doesn’t tear the note. Get me? You’ll probably be watched while you’re there; but don’t let on.”
BRIGGS put the note in his pocket, with the letters. He left the house and walked leisurely to the nearest elevated station.
Some twenty minutes afterward, he arrived at Brindle’s. He took a table in a corner and waited. Moose Shargin appeared, accompanied by Garry Elvers. They sat near by.
Briggs moved over and spoke to Shargin as one would address an acquaintance. He laid the letters and the note on the table as he spoke.
The gang leader did not refer to the note until Briggs had stepped away. He opened it rather slyly and noted its contents.
Shargin’s hands dropped beneath the edge of the table as he tore the paper and let the pieces flutter to the floor. He glanced at his watch.
“Kind of early, Garry,” Shargin said. “Let’s drop down the street and kill an hour at the News Reel Theater. They’re showing some shots of Jake Bernie being quizzed on that kidnapping he pulled.”