A man with a young, smooth face and silver-white hair was sitting at the desk. He turned and nodded pleasantly.
"I want to see Pony," said The Spider.
"You're talking to him," said the other. "What can I do for you?"
"You can tell Pony that I want to see him, here," said The Spider. "And don't worry, he knows me."
"The name, please."
"Never mind that. Just take a good look at me—and tell him. He'll come."
The other rose and, stepping to the inner door, beckoned to some one in the room beyond. The Spider seated himself, lighted a cigar, and leaned back as though thoroughly at home. Presently a big man came in briskly: a full-bodied, smooth-cheeked man who looked like the prosperous manager of some legitimate business enterprise, save for the large diamond horseshoe scintillating in his gray silk tie.
"Why, hello, Jim!" he cried, evidently surprised. He told his partner casually that he could go on inside and look after things for a few minutes. When the other had gone he turned to The Spider. "What can I do for you, Jim?"
"Tell me where I can find White-Eye."
"White-Eye? He hasn't been in here for three or four years. I didn't know he was in town."