He rang up detective headquarters and asked Jake Spaulding to come to him at once.
Spaulding began: "But the matter ain't ripe yet, boss.

Nothin' doin' last night--" But Ruyler cut him short.

"Please come immediately--no, not here.

Meet me at Long's." He left the building and walked rapidly to a well-known bar where estimable citizens, even when impervious to the seductions of cocktail and highball, often met in private soundproof rooms to discuss momentous deals, or invoke the aid of detectives whose appearance in home or office might cause the wary bird to fly away.
The detective did not drink, so Ruyler ordered cigars, and a few moments later Spaulding strolled in.

His physical movements always belied his nervous keen face.