Babbing

When the driver had been paid, Babbing turned into the hotel, apparently oblivious of his escort; and Barney followed undiscouraged, with the bag.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

Barney got out before him, preceded him to the entrance of the building, and stood at a revolving door for Babbing to go first.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

In the elevator, Babbing said "Eighth," and busied himself with his letter, which he read and pondered on.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

Babbing took off his spectacles and began to walk up and down the room, twirling them by the ear bows.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

He went out, with his book open in his hand, absorbed in study of the picture of Babbing that had been photographed on his instantaneous young mind.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

Barney did not guess that because of his presence the man did not speak to Babbing -- until Babbing, by a question, indicated that it was all right to talk.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

He had seen Babbing only once, when "the great detective" came out with one of his men while Barney was getting his book signed.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

He held out the book to Babbing who had not moved from his seat at the table.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

Young Barney had been delivering telegrams to the Babbing Bureau for months, without ever getting past the outer office at 1070, and without so much as suspecting the existence of these operatives 'rooms and inner chambers down the hall.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005

And it was the influence of these Nick Carter stories that had brought him now to 1056 in his Sunday best, with his hair brushed and his shoes polished, as guiltily as a truant, having lied to his mother and absented himself from his work in the wild hope of getting employment -- confidential and mysterious employment -- in the office of the great Babbing.

Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine 2005