tulating himself that when this man
got to Headquarters he might be made to talk to some effect, when
Morgan and another man, whom Marsh easily recognized as a detective,
approached.

"Where in blazes did your man go?" exclaimed Morgan.

Marsh stared for a moment. "Why I thought your man got him," he
said. "Somebody came in and quietly took him out."

"Good-night!" exclaimed Morgan. "Somebody must have tipped him off."
He turned to the man with him. "No use hanging around now. Our
bird's flown."

As the man left them Morgan sat down again beside Marsh. "How the
deuce did you know I was here?" he asked.

"I didn't," returned Marsh. "I had that bell boy page you to test
the man across from me. I never had such a surprise in my life as
when you turned up. What were you doing here?" he added.

"The Chief asked me to look into this Merton case. What were YOU
doing here?"

"The same thing," replied Marsh.

"Looking up Merton?"

"Yes."

"Well, that's funny. What for?"

"Because I strongly suspect he is the murdered man in our case."

Morgan gasped.

CHAPTER XIV

THE NIGHT CALL

As Morgan recovered from his astonishment, Marsh anticipated some
leading questions. He headed these off at this time, by saying, "In
this case, conditions seem to be somewhat reversed; for up to this
time we have found practically no one who could be put under
surveillance, yet we have every evidence that we are being carefully
watched by others. Several incidents have occurred, including the
present little drama which convinces us of that fact. There is no
question that we should again compare notes as soon as possible, but
this is a dangerous place to discuss the case. I came here to
question certain people. As they will not be on duty until later
there is nothing I can do along that line for a little while. In the
meantime, we ought to look over Merton's rooms upstairs. I could not
make an attempt to do this, because I do not possess the proper
authority without explaining my real connections. You, however, as a
city detective engaged on the case, will have no difficulty in
making arrangements to inspect his room."

"That is just what I dropped in to do," replied Morgan.

"Then go ahead and make your arrangements," said Marsh, "and when
you are ready, let me go up with you. If we meet anyone, remember
that I am working under the special authorization of Mr. Hunt, and
you and I have just become acquainted."

Morgan