Chapter 2 Summary

Tom walks home, refusing Mr. Greenleaf's offer to drop him off in a taxi, because he does not want Greenleaf to see the dingy brownstone where he shares a furnished room with Bob Delancey, a freelance window decorator. Delancey is the only acquaintance who volunteered to put Tom up when he was without a place to stay. The smelly bathroom is down the hall, but the arrangement does make it easy for Tom to receive his mail addressed to "George McAlpin," without arousing suspicion. Tom is not surprised by Greenleaf's offer. Tom's philosophy is that something always turns up.

Lately, Tom constantly has the sensation of being followed, which he hates. He cannot help contrast his current sordid existence with the first-class cabin to Europe offered by Greenleaf. Tom feels he handled the encounter well. Greenleaf cannot possibly think Tom wrangled himself a...