the step, leaning against the iron newel post that supported the rickety step railing. He awaited developments, which soon came.
A black-eyed, black-haired girl, about twenty, with rouged lips and cheeks and dressed in the flashy style of the East Side gangster's "girl," cautiously opened the door about halfway.
"Hello, Sadie," Speedy heard Callahan greet her and start to push his way in.
"Stick outside, Puggy," quickly said the girl in a raspy voice. "There's 'dicks' inside lookin' for Al on account of that fur job he pulled last night. Did you meet Joe yet?"
"That's what I come to ask you about. Did Joe get back?"
"No, he was supposed to meet you with the car at the corner of Powers and Third Ave., wasn't he?"
"Sure—I'm on my way to meet him now. I'm late though and I thought maybe he came on here."
"Did he get the horse car all right?"
"I dunno. That's what I want to find out. He didn't 'phone nor nothin'. Well, I'll be gettin' on. S'long, Sadie."
"S'long."
So quickly did Callahan take his departure that he was down the steps and on Speedy before the latter had a chance to slip away. Seizing his handkerchief, Speedy, with lightning strategy, made a bluff of shining the smeary brass ball atop the newel post against which he was leaning. He lowered his head until it was almost sunk into his
