The three friends passed down the hill, and took the Haight-street cars for the city. It was the first car for the day, and not another passenger was on board.
Arriving at the Occidental, Cobb said:
“You are expected to be at reveille this morning, but I have no duties until retreat. There are a few things that I wish to attend to; so I will leave you here. Be sure to be at my quarters at 9:30 to-night. Good-bye!” and he left them without waiting for a reply.
It was nearly eight o’clock, and after a hearty breakfast, when Cobb left the hotel, passed down Montgomery street into Washington, and made his way to a small-sized house at the foot of an alley leading from that thoroughfare.
The windows of the house were all closed by shutters, and the whole building bore an aspect of dilapidation.
Ascending the four rickety steps that led to the door, he gave a sharp knock, repeating it after a moment, as no answer was obtained.
“Who knocks?”
“It is I, Colchis! Open the door.”
The door swung open, and Cobb entered, the door closing behind him with a bang.