“Thanks, Freed. Were you talking to him?”
“No. He was sitting in the lobby when I came in early in the evening. I didn’t stop. I thought he was probably working and I know you fellows like to be left alone when you’re busy. Did that have anything to do with his—?”
“I don’t think so, but we don’t know yet. Anyway, we won’t mix the house up in it if it can be helped.”
“Thanks.”
“That’s all right. Can you give me some dope on an ex-guest, and then forget that I asked for it?”
“Surely.”
“A Miss Wonderly checked out this morning. I’d like to know the details.”
“Come along,” Freed said, “and we’ll see what we can learn.”
Spade stood still, shaking his head. “I don’t want to show in it.”
Freed nodded and went out of the alcove. In the lobby he halted suddenly and came back to Spade.
“Harriman was the house-detective on duty last night,” he said. “He’s sure to have seen Archer. Shall I caution him not to mention it?”
Spade looked at Freed from the corners of his eyes. “Better not. That won’t make any difference as long as there’s no connection shown with this Wonderly. Harriman’s all right, but he likes to talk, and I’d as lief not have him think there’s anything to be kept quiet.”
Freed nodded again and went away. Fifteen minutes later he returned.