It is worse than looking for a needle in a haystack to hunt for a man in New York.
Farther down the avenue there were other saloons, but he had already passed out of the district most frequented by gamblers.
He had no other theory on which to pursue his search, and it seemed to him that it might be better to return to the hotel and let Mellor turn up or not, as it might happen.
A public telephone sign caught his eye across the way, and he again went over and rang up the Murray Hill. This time it was Rowland that he asked for, and when Rowland was at the 'phone Frank told him briefly that he was on the hunt for Mellor.
"Don't mention it to anybody," Frank added, quickly.
"Have you any idea what's become of him?" asked Rowland.
"Mighty little," answered Frank. "But if he hasn't returned to the hotel yet I'll make another short trip before I give it up."
Mellor had not returned, and the conversation with Rowland was not continued.
Frank retraced his steps up the avenue, but this time he did not make so careful a search as he had before; he simply glanced in at various doors and passed on.
At length he turned in at Thirtieth Street, intending to call at a drinking resort on Broadway, which was known to be popular with gamblers.