Floyd came from the booth almost immediately and left the store without so much as a glance at the clerk.
Nick crept from under the counter and entered the booth. He paused briefly to size up what he had heard. He felt sure Floyd had telephoned either to Hart, or Garland, at their place of business. He turned to the telephone and rang up his own business office.
“Line’s busy!” called the exchange operator.
Nick waited.
“Who is on it?” he asked himself. “Patsy must be there. I directed him not to leave. Chick may have called him up, as I suggested, but for what reason? Hang this delay! It may prove expensive.”
Nick tried again and succeeded. He heard the familiar voice of Patsy Garvan over the wire.
“This is the chief talking,” said Nick.
“Oh, gee!” Patsy exclaimed. “I was just wondering how I could get next to you.”
“What’s up?” Nick questioned, deferring his own communication.
“Some one just phoned here that the woman we’re seeking can be found at No. 1680B Amsterdam Avenue. The speaker evidently was a man, but I did not know his voice, nor could I get anything more from him.”