Cliff entered the room, which had a table set for six people. The waiter brought him a menu card from a serving table in the corner.
“I belong out in the big room, sir,” he said. “I’ll fix it with the waiter that looks after this room. You may have to wait a little while.”
“That’s all right,” answered Cliff.
AS soon as the waiter was gone, Cliff made a quick inspection of the room. There were two doors, each on an opposite wall. Their purpose was obvious. They led into the adjoining private rooms. Thus large parties could have connecting rooms.
It was probable that the arrangement existed all along the corridor. Cliff tried each door cautiously and found that both were locked. He assumed that they were kept that way except when otherwise desired. Each door had a large keyhole.
There was no use trying to unlock the doors for the present. It would first be advisable to find out where Ernie Shires was located — if the man was actually at the Club Drury. Cliff decided to reconnoiter. He went out into the corridor, closing the door behind him.
The light was dim; no one was in sight. Cliff moved along the corridor, finding nothing but half-open doors with dark rooms until he reached the end. There he encountered a closed door. He stopped to listen. He fancied that he heard the murmur of voices. At least, he was sure that the room was occupied.
Cliff entered the adjoining room. He did not turn on the light. He groped through the darkness to the door that led into the occupied room. He could hear the murmur plainly, now, but could not distinguish any words.
It was idle to wait in the darkness and it was foolish to attempt to open the door. Cliff had no keys or other implements; although he was carrying an automatic. Any noise at the door would attract attention.
Also, the waiter would soon be coming to the room that he had left. It would be wise to get back. Cliff returned along the corridor.