Ballantyne smoothed matters.
“Neither of you paid admission,” he said. “You are quite welcome to see the show as our guests. You understand, gentlemen, that this disturbance was caused by yourselves, and that we merely requested your presence here.”
“It’s all right with me,” said Burke.
“All right,” agreed Marschik.
The men left. The detective followed.
LAMONT CRANSTON remained with Howard Griscom and George Ballantyne. The two theatrical men became engaged in a lengthy discussion.
“This can’t go on,” declared Griscom. “We must use common sense, even if it goes against the grain. These racketeers are—”
“What about them?” questioned Ballantyne impatiently. “You exaggerate the situation, Howard. These two men to-day — neither of them can be considered a suspect.
“Your detectives, planted in the lobby, become overzealous. They see a menace in a slight altercation. Do you agree with me, Cranston?”
In reply, Lamont Cranston reached in his pocket and brought out a package of cigarettes. It was unopened, and still bore its cellophane covering. He laid it on the desk and began to take off the outer wrapper.