Part 17 (1/2)

”Yes,” Morgan answered, ”those letters appear to be of a very ordinary character. As far as I can see, there is nothing there that would help us.”

”I presume you are working along other lines also?” inquired Hunt.

”Surely,” said Morgan. ”We have several men on the case now.”

”And what have you found, Mr. Marsh?” inquired Hunt.

”Nothing that gives me a lead so far. I will report to you as soon as anything comes to light.”

”Better come to my home some evening,” Hunt suggested. ”We can talk in greater privacy than at the office. You will find my address in the telephone directory. By the way, I believe you neglected to give me your address this morning, and I do not find your name in the telephone book.”

”That's right,” exclaimed Marsh. ”I believe I did neglect to do that.” Marsh went over to the desk, tore off the corner of a sheet of paper, and wrote down his new address and telephone number. ”Here it is,” he said, handing the paper to Hunt. ”My name would not be in the telephone book as my work necessitates frequent changes of address. One month I am liable to be in California and the next in Europe. For the present, however, you will be able to get word to me at the address I have given you. Naturally, I will seldom be there, but you can always leave word for me to get in touch with you.” Then Marsh turned to Morgan. ”We'd better be moving along,” he said.

”Yes,” agreed Morgan, ”there's nothing more to be gained here.”

After exchanging a few commonplace words with Hunt, the two detectives went out, leaving Hunt in the room. Downstairs, in the lobby, Marsh said, ”I strongly suspect that Hunt wanted to be left alone in that room. That's why I hurried you away. The sooner he gets through up there, the quicker he will leave the hotel. I don't want him around while I am looking up the rest of my information.

Now, you watch the Madison Street entrance, while I stand across the street on La Salle. When he leaves, the one that sees him will let the other know.”

The two men then separated and took up their watch.

Hunt must have made a careful examination of Merton's rooms, because it was not until a half hour later that Morgan rejoined Marsh and informed him that he had seen Hunt enter his automobile on Madison Street and drive away.

”Morgan,” said Marsh. ”I want to have a talk with you after I get through here. Suppose I come to your apartment tonight?”

”Fine!” agreed Morgan. ”I have some information to give you. I'll run up to Headquarters now, make a report, and go right home. You will find me there whenever you are ready.”

”And here is a suggestion, Morgan. When either of us calls on the other, the signal will be three knocks on the door instead of pus.h.i.+ng the electric bell. I have a suspicion that answering a bell these days will have to be conducted with caution.”

”Perhaps you are right,” said Morgan. ”I'll remember.”

Morgan then walked on up La Salle Street, while Marsh crossed over and entered the hotel once more. There was now only one person who might give him a really definite lead--the night telephone operator--and he went straight to her switchboard. Marsh knew that this young woman was probably overfed with smooth talk, so he counted upon getting better results by going straight to the point.

”Good evening,” he said. ”You are the night operator here, are you not?”

The young woman, who was arranging things before her in a way that indicated she had but recently come on duty, replied in the affirmative.

”Do you remember Mr. Merton, who has been reported missing?” asked Marsh.

”I should say I do,” exclaimed the girl. ”An awfully nice man. He appreciated good service. Every Sat.u.r.day night he gave me a box of candy.”

”Read this,” said Marsh, handing her his authorization from Hunt.

”Oh, I hope you do find out something,” said the girl, as she returned the paper to Marsh. ”I'd just hate to think anything serious had happened to Mr. Merton.”

”All right,” answered Marsh, ”then you'll be willing to help me?”

”What can I do?” she inquired.

”Mr. Merton's kindness to you made an impression upon you, did it not?” Marsh asked.

The girl nodded.