Shirley examined this closely. The various plugs were labelled: “Rector,” “Flatbush,” “Jersey City,” “Main,” “Morningside,” and other names which Shirley recognized as “central” stations of the telephone company. Here was the partial solution of the mysterious calls. He determined to test the service!
He took up the telephone receiver and sent the plug into the orifice under the label, “Co.” wondering what that might be. Soon there was an answer.
“How's everything?” was Shirley's hoarse remark. “I find connections bad in the Bronx? What's the matter?”
“I'll send one of the outside men up there to see, Chief. There's a new exchange manager there, and he may be having the wires inspected. But my tap is on the cable behind the building. I don't see how he could get wise.”
Shirley smiled at this inadvertent betrayal of the system: wire tapping with science. He was able to trap the confederate with his own mesh of copper now.
“I want to see you right away. Some cash for you. I'm sick with a cold in the throat so don't keep me waiting. Go up town and stand in the doorway at 192 West Forty-first Street. Don't let anybody see you while you wait there, so keep back out of sight. How soon can you be there?”
“Oh, in half an hour if I hurry. Any trouble? You certainly have a bum voice, Chief. But how will I know it's you?”
“I'll just say, 'Telephone,' and then you come right along with me, to a place I have in mind. Don't be late, now! Good-bye.”
Shirley drew out the connection and tried the exchange labelled “Rector.” Instantly a pleasant girl's voice inquired the number desired.
The operator on the switchboard of the hostelry replied.
“Give me Miss Marigold's apartment, please.”
Helene's voice was soon on the wire. Shirley asked for Warren in a gruff tone.
“What do you want?” was that gentleman's musical inquiry, in the tones which were already so familiar to the criminologist.
“Chief, dis is de Rat. I wants to meet you down at de Blue Goose on Water Street in half an hour. Kin you'se come? It's important.”
“The Rat? What do you mean? I don't know you. Ring off!”
Shirley heard the other receiver click. He held the wire, reasoning out the method of the intriguer. Soon there was a buzz in his ear, and Warren's voice came to him. It was droll, this reversal of the original method, which had been so puzzling.