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
pushing 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 Saturday 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.

"Then you would naturally recollect anything of an unusual nature
which might have taken place during the last few days, would you
not?"

"Yes... I think so," returned the girl, somewhat guardedly.

"A telephone call late at night?" suggested Marsh.

The girl was busy with her switchboard for a time. Then she leaned
back and looked at Marsh. "See here," she said, "I'd do most
anything to help find that man, but I