He purchased three cigars — of a brand that he had found in Chatham’s pocket — then pulled a notebook from his pocket, and pretended to read an address from a page.
“Seth Wilkinson, Grampian Apartments,” he mumbled.
Outside the Argo Club, Palermo called for a cab, and told the doorman his destination. The attendant repeated the name of the Grampian Apartments to the taxi driver.
Half an hour later, Doctor Palermo arrived at the uptown residence of Seth Wilkinson, and was ushered into the living room of a pretentious apartment. He knew the place perfectly. He had been there before, but never in the character of Horace Chatham.
The masquerader suppressed a smile, as he waited for Wilkinson’s appearance. Wilkinson knew both Horace Chatham and Albert Palermo. This was to be a crucial test.
“Hello, Chatham.”
Seth Wilkinson had entered the room. Palermo arose and shook hands. Then he resumed his seat, while Wilkinson took a chair close by, and looked at him as though expecting a statement.
Palermo did not hesitate. He played the part of Chatham to perfection when he spoke.
“Wilkinson,” he said earnestly, “I have a favor to ask you. It concerns a man who is a mutual friend of ours — Doctor Albert Palermo.”
Wilkinson’s eyes narrowed. Something in his sharp gaze caused the speaker to stop.