“You can go to bed,” went on Dick, to his brothers. “I’ll stay up a bit longer and see if any message comes from dad.”
The Rovers left Dan Baxter’s apartment, and Sam and Tom retired, both worn out from their day’s exertions. Dick went below, to interview the hotel clerk.
“No message yet, sir,” said that individual. “If any comes in I will call you.”
Dick was about to turn away, when the telephone bell rang. He waited while the clerk listened for a moment.
“Yes, he’s here now,” he heard the clerk say. “Wait a moment.” The clerk turned to Dick. “There’s your party now. I’ll switch you into the booth yonder.”
Trembling with anticipation, Dick hurried to the booth, shut the door and took up the telephone receiver. The wire was buzzing, but presently he made out his father’s voice.
“Is that you, Dick?”
“Yes, Dad. Where are you?”
“At the hotel in Cedarville. I just got here a few minutes ago from a run across the lake.”
“Across the lake? What for? Did you go after the fortune?”