It was a strange fact that during all his shrewd observations, the gambling king had seen no trace of the mysterious shadow that had preceded Chief Yates up the stairs. That shadow had not departed when the chief left. The steps from the Club Catalina were the only way for visitors to come and go.
Not having seen the black splotch that signified the presence of a living being, Big Tom did not notice the long streak of darkness that lay across the floor of his office, encroaching upon the edge of the desk. That shadow came from beside the open door of a wall cabinet.
There was no reason why Big Tom should suspect that a stranger had entered, for he had locked the door of the office when he and Chief Yates had departed. Perhaps Big Tom placed too much faith in locks. He was turning one now — the lock on his desk. It was a peculiar lock, set above the drawer, which also had a lock.
Big Tom pocketed his keys. He glanced at his watch and hurriedly arose from the desk. He turned out the light, went out of the room, and locked the door behind him.
Now, from a secluded spot, the gambler kept careful observation. He counted certain men as they entered by the outer door. One was Hooks Borglund; the second was Shifter Reeves. After a few minutes, Herbert Carpenter appeared.
Big Tom walked across the floor and opened the door of the office, glancing approvingly at his watch as he did so. Inside the room, he did not turn on the light. Instead, he sat in a chair that he found near the corner.
The door of the office opened softly, and another man came in. He was followed by others. When the door closed for the last time, the four kings were inside.
“All here?”
The gruff question came from the chair at the desk. It was the voice of Wheels Bryant, sovereign of this organization of crime!
Responses showed that all were present. The hidden leader began to talk in his usual domineering tone.