"Good!" said Bat.
"First," continued the investigator, "we'll see what's to be had from his friend, Hutchinson. I'm rather of the opinion that he has some information which would be of use to us."
They rose, and as they put on hats and coats, Ashton-Kirk said to Fuller:
"Perhaps you'd better come along, Fuller. If things go as I think they will we are in for a rather busy night and may need your help."
The three boarded a street car not far from the investigator's house; after they had alighted, a walk of ten minutes brought them to Gaffney's place.
"Remain within call," said Ashton-Kirk to his aide. "We may need you at any moment."
"Right," said the young man, readily. "I'll be somewhere about."
Scanlon pushed open Gaffney's door and entered, followed by Ashton-Kirk. The place was crowded; the air was thick with the smoke of poor tobacco; the fox-like young men still made the skilful strokes at the tables, and the walls were lined, as usual, with men who either stared vacantly, or scowled with predatory longing.
Hutchinson, with his striped sleeves and his carefully waved hair, was in the back room engaged with an exceptionally clever gentleman who made shot after shot of almost miraculous character. Ashton-Kirk and Scanlon waited until the game was run through, then the former touched Hutchinson upon the arm.
"Could we have a word with you?" asked the investigator.