The friend nodded.
Zantzinger walked to his wife.
"I've got a little business below," he explained. "Wait here: I'll be right back."
He opened the door and descended the stairs. As he went, he drew his revolver. Dellitt was standing in the doorway, with his back to the stairs, smoking a cigarette. Without warning, Zantzinger shot him through the head. Then he returned to the ballroom, apologized to his wife for leaving her so hurriedly, and resumed his interrupted dance.
This was the story that came to the homicide bureau. Luke took it at once to Leighton.
"And this man Zantzinger," he reminded the District-Attorney, "is the right-hand man of the Tammany leader in that ward."
"Who saw him?" asked Leighton.
"Three men on the street."
"Got their names?"
"We can get them."