went to the hotel office. In a few minutes he returned with a
bell boy and nodded to Marsh. Guided by the bell boy, they took an
elevator and ascended to Merton's rooms, which they found consisted
of a sitting room, bedroom and bath. Obeying instructions, the bell
boy at once retired and closed the door after him.

They first inspected the bedroom, giving special attention to the
dresser. This contained nothing save the usual supply of clothing,
which served no other purpose than to indicate the wealth and
conservative taste of the owner. Marsh particularly sought some
jewelry that might help to identify the cuff button as the property
of the lost man. He found nothing, however, and considered it
probable that whatever jewelry Merton owned was on his person.

From the bedroom the two men went to the sitting room, which they
hoped would hold greater possibilities, for a desk stood in one
corner near a window. A framed photograph of Merton's wife and son,
standing on top of the desk, of course had no significance. They
then began a search of the drawers and the interior of the desk.

"Probably you have noticed," said Marsh, after a moment, "the
disordered condition of this desk."

"Now that you speak of it," agreed Morgan, "I think it is pretty
well mussed up."

"I should say," commented Marsh, "that either Merton is very
careless, or else we are not the first people to examine this desk."

"Probably the desk has been gone over, Marsh," acceded Morgan. "But
you must remember that Merton has been known to be missing for
several days and hotel employees, even under ordinary circumstances,
are apt to be curious. The point is worth remembering, but I doubt
if it is of any importance."

One by one, they examined various letters and papers. A few touched
on business subjects, but the majority were of a personal nature.
Most of these were from Merton's wife; the others from business men
whose well known names placed them beyond suspicion. In one corner
of the desk Morgan picked up a sheet containing some notations
regarding bond purchases. Beneath this he found a black, leather-covered
notebook of a size that would conveniently fit into a vest
pocket. One glance into this and Morgan gave an exclamation. "See
here!" he cried, calling Marsh's attention to the book. "This
notebook has been kept in cipher. These combinations of letters and
figures mean absolutely nothing as they stand."

The two men slowly turned the pages