15 Story Detective, April 1950 — page 15: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Two’s Company—Three’s a Shroud that Jake Left, my new client, had been about ag helpful as a split lip to a trumpet player. CHAPTER TWO Hole in the Head type, the Prince Club might very well be one of your favorite play-spots. It’s a sophisticated, semi-exclusive place with a low ceiling over the customers, dim lights, built-in cigaret smoke and voices Bh: than the floor show. But if youre the beer and peanuts type, like a certain Clint Morgan who shall remain nameless, even entering the place through the rear door might give you an inferiority complex. Unless, of course, you wore white tie and tails. The wizened little man just inside the vestibule deor had shrewd, kindly eyes. He sat behind a large table with nothing on it except his feet, and surveyed my evening attire with respect. “My name is Morgan.’ Fire Depart- ment—special detail,” I went on brusque- ly, giving him a fast and wholly un- revealing glimpse of my private investi- gator’s badge. He took his feet off the table and got up. “We ain’t had any fires, Mr. Morgan.” : T° YOU'RE the champagne and caviar “Inspector Morgan,” I said, in a clipped tone. “I know that, Pop. Just checking up. I want to see your fire extinguishers, the exits, conditions in the dressing rooms. It’s just routine, but it may take a couple of nights. I’ll have to tabulate the traffic through the doors of the dressing rooms.” I tried to sound authoritative. “‘That’s important.” > P ] “Yes, sir,” he said respectfully, al- though his face was bewildered. J had to get the layout of the place, and locate Dawn Layne’s dressing room ly A wot GRO \ Sete + ~~ — 4, . > 3 vn, LY en, Com NOVO) (C@