“I’ve got men down there, but they’re known. Tonight” — Yates had a flash of inspiration — “I’ll stop in there and look things over myself! Sort of a surprise visit. How about it?”
“A very good idea.”
“And after that, I’ll do a round of the dives. See if my men have landed any hop sellers.”
Mayor Cruikshank arose and shook hands warmly with Police Chief Yates. The bulky officer left the residence and started back toward the board walk. Cruikshank stood watching him from the door, nodding in approval.
The room which the two had left was empty. Only a long shadow rested upon the floor — a strange streak of black that came from the direction of the open window. Now, that shadow moved. It glided toward the window and disappeared.
Some one had been listening!
On the street in front of the house, the same shadowy shape reappeared, yet there was no sign of the personage whose presence it betokened.
Moving swiftly along the sidewalk, the shape of black followed the direction which the chief of police had taken. Half a block from Mayor Cruikshank’s home, it overtook the striding officer.
Chief Yates did not see the mysterious shadow. Neither did Mayor Cruikshank, standing at his door. Yet that shape followed on, accompanying the police chief in the direction of the Club Catalina.
That weird splotch of darkness meant the presence of a living personage. Some unknown being was taking a serious interest in the affairs of Seaview City.