Willie did so and joined the Secret Service man. The restaurant was just across Bowling Green, on the east side of Broadway. The two descended in the elevator, walked across the little park, and entering the restaurant, stood near the door. Willie watched the waitresses come and go, for there were still some people eating. Presently Willie touched the detective’s arm. “That’s the girl,” he said, and he pointed to a black-haired waitress just coming from the kitchen with a tray of food.
The detective walked over to her table, followed by Willie. When she had distributed her food, the detective spoke to her quietly. “Did you ever see this lad before?” he asked.
The waitress looked keenly at Willie. “Yes,” she said. “He’s been in here several times.”
“When did you see him last?”
“At dinner-time.”
“Do you remember what he had to eat?”
“I’m not sure, but I think he had coffee and a sandwich.”
“How are you able to recall him?”
The girl hesitated. “Maybe it’s because he’s so little, but I guess it’s because he’s so polite. Anyway, he’s different from most of the boys that come in here, and I like him. He often eats at my table.”
“I’m obliged to you,” said the Secret Service man, and the two investigators went out.