one o'clock
The men with whom he conferred were his political advisers , most of them business men whose names were familiar to John as interested in civic enterprise . While the other reporters were busily engaged in conversation John saw the mayor 's secretary signal with a nod of his head for Brennan to step into another room . With a remark that he was going to the telephone Brennan slipped into the room and John saw the secretary whisper in his ear . At one o'clock , an interval between editions , the other reporters went out for lunch . Brennan and John followed them into the corridor and John saw Brennan wink to him . `` See you later , boys , '' Brennan said , `` got some stuff I have to get out . '' When they were alone Brennan told John to follow him and they returned to the mayor 's office .