“No, the banquet will be nearly over. I couldn’t bear to listen to speeches. Let’s go straight to the office and find out what that traffic accident picture shows.”
“Suits me, only I’m hungry.” On impulse, Salt pulled up in front of a hamburger shop offering curb service. “Let’s grab a bite before we really go to work to crack this case.”
He tooted the horn and a uniformed girl came hurrying to take his order.
Fortified by sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream, the pair then drove on to the Riverview Star office.
Avoiding the busy newsroom, Salt and Penny went up the back stairs to the photographic studio. Bill Jones, a studio helper, was busy at the wire photo machine.
“Has that picture of the traffic accident I sent over come up yet?” Salt asked him.
“On the desk,” the boy answered. “Not too sharp.”
Salt picked up a dozen pictures which had been printed on glossy paper and rapidly ran through them until he found the one he sought.
Eagerly Penny peered over his shoulder. The two cars involved in the accident were plainly shown, the license numbers of both visible. In the ancient vehicle, the younger man had lowered his head so that his face was completely hidden. The camera had caught a profile view of the older man, also not clear.
“Lousy picture,” said Salt contemptuously.