Alden drew out his note book and took the folded paper from between the pages.
“Perhaps it will be better if I give it to Mr. Chadwick and ask him to hand it to his nephew Ross Brandley. I owe a call to Mr. Chadwick.”
The two men glanced in surprise at Alden. He of the shorter statue was about to reach out his hand to take the missive but refrained.
“I do not recognize the names you mention.”
“The elder is Garret Chadwick and his nephew, who I judge is nearly my own age, is Ross Brandley. The note is for the younger.”
“Sorry, but I never heard of them before.”
“Then,” said the disappointed Alden, “they cannot be members of your party.”
“They are not; we have never met either.”
“I beg your pardon for my mistake; you will excuse me for not remaining. I thank you for your courtesy, and you and your friends have my best wishes for a pleasant journey to the other side of the continent.”