_THE_ two girls, on leaving the "Hawk's Nest" with their plunder, did not pass from the narrow private alley into the small street at its termination, but hurried along the way they had come, and re-entered the restaurant by means of the gate opening into the yard.

Through the back door they gained a small, dark room, from which a narrow stairway led to the second and third stories of the rear building.

They seemed to be entirely familiar with the place.
On reaching the third story, Pinky gave two quick raps and then a single rap on a closed door.

No movement being heard within, she rapped again, reversing the order--that is, giving one distinct rap, and then two in quick succession.

At this the door came slowly open, and the two girls passed in with their bundle of clothing and the traveling-bag.
The occupant of this room was a small, thin, well-dressed man, with cold, restless gray eyes and the air of one who was alert and suspicious.