Johnny’s desire to find the girl outweighed his desire for secrecy.
“Lookin’ for the old man’s daughter,” he called back to Whitey.
The bartender shook his head positively.
“Ain’t been no females here in two days,” he said. “That is, exceptin’ some show folks.”
There was no need looking for her at the other hotels. If she were in town she would be here. Johnny’s face wore a frown as he stepped to the door and motioned to Tony to come in and eat.
“She ain’t here,” he said to the Basque. “We got to eat, though. Soon as I get a few victuals inside of me I’ll prospect around.”
The restaurant was a long, narrow room set with high stools before a wooden counter. Tony tried to make talk, but the boy was more intent on watching the few passers-by on Bridge Street, hoping against hope that he might catch a glimpse of the girl. But he finished his meal of ham and eggs and pie without this coming to pass.
When he had paid their check he said to Tony:
“You’d better git a room and turn in for an hour or two. I’ll be back soon. What we got to do won’t be done in a day.”
“For why you leave me behin’, Johnny?”