The Shadow had given him no instructions. Evidently, the black-garbed personage expected Carpenter to use his wits. That was exactly what he was doing now. He was waiting until he knew that something was brewing among those master crooks whom Wheels Bryant headed.
This was the fourth night — and no sign of any of the kings except Big Tom Bagshawe. Carpenter had seen the gambling king go upstairs to the den. He knew that if a meeting was to take place, it would either be here, or Big Tom would have to leave to attend it. Hence this was the place to watch.
From the background, out of the limelight, Carpenter was sure that he could foil any new plans that were developing. The gambling den was coining money — that was a self-evident fact; at the same time, Carpenter knew well that Wheels Bryant would be after bigger game than the shekels that clanked across the roulette board and the faro tables.
Finished with a light meal, Carpenter signaled to a newsboy who was standing close by. It was after midnight; the lad was selling copies of the early morning edition. Carpenter bought a copy of the Seaview Gazette, and pretended to be deeply engrossed in its outspread pages.
As a matter of fact, his pretense was not entirely feigned. He was actually reading — short paragraphs at a stretch — and then watching the stairway that led to the second floor.
An item caught Carpenter’s eye. It was a statement about Police Chief George Yates. The official was reported ready to turn in his resignation. A meeting of the Public Safety Committee was being held to-morrow night, at the home of Mayor Rufus Cruikshank.
Carpenter stopped his eager reading to peer toward the stairway. A man was heading there, from the outside door. Hooks Borglund! One of the crime kings! He was going up the steps now!
CARPENTER’S eyes went back to the Gazette. Yates, he learned, was criticizing the Public Safety Committee. They were restricting him from interference with such places as the Club Catalina.
Yates had banished crime from Seaview City. Now, he had been ordered to keep hands off — so far as gambling and lesser offenses were concerned.
Another man was walking toward the stairs. Carpenter did not recognize his mustached face, but he did recall the man’s gait. It was Shifter Reeves, wisely disguised! The dope king was here!