Thelda Blanchet was standing at the end of a line at the box office. She glanced carelessly toward the street; then turned impatiently and left the line. She entered a drug store that adjoined the theater and went to a phone booth.
“Doctor Palermo’s apartment,” she said, after obtaining the number.
The physician’s voice came over the wire a moment later.
“This is Thelda,” announced the girl.
“You failed to hold Clarendon?”
“Yes. But I am progressing.”
There was a pause. Then Palermo spoke slowly.
“Take paper and pencil and write this down — everything I tell you.
“Residence of Doctor Brockbank, No. 711 Eastern Avenue.” Palermo continued. “Key is in letter addressed to you at Hotel Bargelle. Enter house. Room on second floor at head of stairs. Find key to desk in drawer of telephone table. Open desk. Lower drawer on right. Large manila envelope marked
‘P.’ Remove it. Bring here immediately. Do not act until midnight.”