“Go ahead,” replied Cliff, in a hushed tone.
“Ernie Shires is upstairs,” said Madge. “Talking with Durgan. I was told to beat it — as usual.”
Cliff understood. He had learned all of Killer Durgan’s ways when he had listened to Madge’s outburst of woe while they had dined last night. The girl had talked to him as her lone friend and confidant.
“I listened outside the door,” she said. “I heard your name mentioned. I don’t know why. Then I did beat it.
“It isn’t safe to listen long anywhere while Durgan is around! I went down to the lobby. You weren’t there so I came up here!”
“You weren’t seen?” questioned Cliff. “How about the elevator man?”
“He doesn’t matter. I’ve gone to other floors before. I used to have a few girl friends in the hotel, but they dropped me when they knew I was Durgan’s moll.
“I can’t stay long, Cliff, although” — her voice was wistful — “although I’d like to. I want to be away from Durgan forever!”
“Thanks for the tip-off about Shires,” said Cliff quietly.
“That’s not all, Cliff,” added Madge. “I don’t know what Shires is going to do, but something’s under way! Shires has been up in the Bronx. He’s going to make trouble up there, soon; and I heard Durgan tell him to get busy tonight!”