The ride to Crowley Pelter's residence took a good three-quarters of an hour. The place was a small but well-kept one on a corner.
"I guess I had better go in alone," suggested Dick. "If I need you I'll whistle or wave my handkerchief;" and then he ran up the front steps and rang the bell. A tall, angular woman, wearing large spectacles, soon answered his summons.
"Good afternoon," said Dick, politely. "Is this Mr. Crowley Pelter's residence?"
"Yes, sir."
"I believe Mr. Jesse Pelter is staying here. Can I see him?" went on Dick.
"Mr. Jesse Pelter was staying here, but he has just gone—he went about an hour ago."
"Is that so!" cried Dick. "Can you tell me where he went to?"
"Well, I—er—I don't know," faltered the woman, and eyed Dick sharply.
"I have a very important message for him," Dick hastened to say. "I must see him at once."
"Oh, in that case you'll find him down at the docks. He has engaged passage on the Princess Lenida bound for Liverpool."