I was chagrined at the thought that Holtzmann would be prepared to receive me. I had hoped to come upon him unawares, and get into his confidence before he could realize what I was after.
I began to wonder when the telegram would reach Chicago. Perhaps something by good fortune might delay it.
Mr. Allen Price walked over to the telegraph office, and following him with my eyes I saw him pay for the message and then stroll away.
Hardly had he gone before I too stepped up to the counter.
"How long will it take to send a message to Chicago?" I asked of the clerk in charge.
"Probably till noon," was the reply. "The storm has crippled us, and we are having trouble with our lineman."
"It won't go before noon!" I repeated, and my heart gave a bound. "Are you sure?"
"Yes; perhaps even longer."
"How about the message that gentleman just handed in?"
"I told him I would send it as soon as possible,"