Carter acted cautiously, so that the man would not notice that he was watching him.
They spoke in low tones, and it was some time before the detective was able to catch a word they said.
He leaned back in his chair and listened.
The men were drinking.
After a time they commenced to talk louder, and the detective was able to hear.
A man of less experience would have started, and perhaps betrayed himself when he heard the stout man address his companion as Rich.
Not so Carter. He did not move in his chair, or show any sign that he had heard a word.
His eyes were fixed on a painting on the opposite wall, and apparently he was examining it.
“Well, Rich,” the detective heard the stout man ejaculate, “I think you made a mistake.”
For a while this was all he heard, for the man spoke in low tones again.