"It's Alicia. Norman has come down and got into Simpson's car. Mrs. Norman is still in the lobby. And the Mayor has come in. Murray's got him, but he won't be able to hold him long. We must go right up to the room. Come--Senator!"
Merriam followed out of the private dining-room and down the corridor at a great pace into a main hallway and to an elevator.
Several people looked hard at Merriam. One important-looking elderly man stopped and held out his hand:
"How are you, Senator?"
But Rockwell crowded rudely between them.
"Excuse me, Colonel, but we must catch this car.--Very urgent!" he called as the door clicked.
And Merriam had the presence of mind to add, "Look you up later!"
"Good----" Rockwell began as they stopped at the main floor, but he paused on the first word with his mouth open.
A very large man, large every way, in evening clothes, with a fine head of white hair and an air of conscious distinction, was stepping into the car. He saw Merriam and Rockwell. Then instantly he appeared not to have observed them, hesitated, backed gracefully out of the little group that was entering the elevator, and was gone.
The car smoothly ascended.