“Sure there is,” the bartender affirmed. “But he’s a queer one––the big guy, as you call him. What’s his game? Why, only this morning, he tipped Charley off to beat it, and Charley did. Maybe he thinks the kid’s double-crossed him.”
Morrow’s heart leaped in sudden excitement at this astounding news, but he controlled himself, and replied nonchalantly:
“Search me. He told me I’d find this Charley-boy here; that’s all I know. He isn’t talking for publication––not Pad.”
“You bet not!” The bartender nodded. Then he jerked a grimy thumb in the direction of the back room. “Why, the dame in there, cryin’ into her absinthe, is Charley’s girl. She’s a queen––straight as they make ’em, if she does work the shops now and then––and Charley was fixin’ to hook up with her next month, preacher-fashion, and settle down. Now he gets the office and skips without a word to her, and she’s all broke up over it!”
The door at the rear opened suddenly, and a girl stood upon the threshold. She was tall and slender, and her face showed traces of positive beauty, although it was bloated and distorted with weeping and dissipation, and her big black eyes glittered feverishly.
“What’s that you’re sayin’ about Charley?” she demanded half-hysterically. “He’s gone! He’s left 187 me! I don’t believe Pad gave him the office, and if he did, Charley’s a fool to beat it! They’ve got nothin’ on him––it’s Pad who’s got to save his own skin!”
“Shut up, Annie!” advised the bartender, not unkindly. “Pad’s sent this here feller for him, now!”
“Then it was a lie––a lie! Pad didn’t tell him to beat it––he’s gone on his own account, gone for good! But I’ll find him; I’ll––”
The girl suddenly burst into a storm of sobs, and, turning, reeled back into the inner room.
“You see!” the bartender observed, confidentially, as the door swung shut behind her. “She thinks he’s gone off with another skirt; that’s the way with women! I knew Pad had given him the office, though. I got it straight. You’re right about Pad bein’ up in the air. He must have bitten off more than he can chew, this time. I heard Reddy Thursby talkin’ to Gil Hennessey about it, right where you’re standin’, not two hours ago. They’re both Pad’s men––met ’em yet?”