"We're after some of the Black Star's gang," the sheriff replied.
"In my house?"
"Yes; and they've been living here for some time, if you want to know. I thought this was an exclusive place, where a tenant had to have all sorts of references. Those two women who call themselves Whaley"
"Why, they are all right!"
"Are they?" asked the sheriff. "One side!"
He took up a position whence he could watch both the stairs and the elevators. The deputy had hurried to the alley. Two policemen came in from the street, and the hotel detective put in an appearance. Kowen took instant command of the situation.
"Let nobody leave the building for the present—nobody!" he commanded. "Let nobody pass out unless either Verbeck or I give them permission!"
Kowen sprang up the wide stairs again. He reached the second floor, and stopped to listen. He heard no sound of pursuit or combat. The elevator came down from above, and the sheriff stopped it.
"Take two women and a man up?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," said the operator.
"Know them?"
"Miss Whaley and"
"That's enough! Where did they go?"
"To the roof. They said they wanted to take a look at the city, as one of the ladies was going away."
"I'll go up and take a look myself!" the sheriff said. "And give us a little speed!"
The boy whizzed the elevator to the top floor;
