Harry Vincent, scarcely visible in the dim spot where he was located, was keenly observant. He saw Paget start a stroll toward the corner, swinging his cane as he walked. Harry followed a few seconds later, keeping on his own side of the street. Clyde Burke had slipped unnoticed into a near-by doorway.
Rodney Paget seemed in no hurry. He idled as he walked, stopping every now and then to glance upward at the surrounding skyscrapers. He finally stopped beside a subway entrance. He tapped his cigarette holder, and placed it in his pocket. Then he suddenly went into the subway entrance.
This was an unexpected maneuver. It caused a change in Harry Vincent’s plans. He changed his slow pace and hurried in pursuit.
A subway train was entering the local station when Rodney Paget reached the bottom of the steps. He was moving swiftly and had ample time to catch the train. Had he done so, he would have eluded his unseen pursuer.
But the clubman stopped short when he reached the turnstile. He had brought a handful of change from his pocket. There was no nickel among the coins.
With a slight exclamation, Paget hurried to the change booth. Before he had received his supply of nickels, the train was pulling from the station. Paget became leisurely again. He glanced about him; then went through the turnstile and walked toward the head of the platform.
When the next local came in, a few minutes later, several passengers boarded it. Among them were two men who had come to the platform after Rodney Paget.
One was Harry Vincent; the other was Clyde Burke. They entered the same car as the clubman. Neither one appeared to notice Rodney Paget; nor did they exchange any sign of recognition between each other.
WHEN the train reached Sixty-sixth Street, Rodney Paget left the car staring straight ahead. He paid no attention whatever to the other passengers. He did not notice the two men who stepped from the car.
Reaching the street, Paget turned his steps westward from Broadway. He moved slowly at first; then quickened his pace after he had turned a corner.