“Then I’ll pay you now and take the chances,” said Chick, thrusting a ten-dollar bill into the hands of the girl.
“Whether I can help you depends whether the girl with Lannigan is known in Philadelphia, where Lannigan originally came from. A girl will come in here some time to-night who will know her, if she is known in that city. If she does, she’ll tell me.”
The little party of four then gave themselves up to the enjoyment of their supper, which had been ordered by Chick. In the meantime, the room gradually filled until all the tables were occupied; the place became redolent with tobacco smoke and gay with the chatter of voices and laughter.
As they watched the other table, they saw a man make his way through the room, and, going to Lannigan, lean over him and whisper.
Lannigan seemed to be much annoyed, but, nevertheless, he took a bill from his pocket and handed it to the man, who went out.
Patsy said to Chick:
“I flung that fellow out of the door at Sanborn’s this morning.”
“Was he the one who came with the flowers?”
“Yes. He’s the one who cried out when he saw Nick Carter.”
“He’s a New York crook,” said Merton.