"Here is your answer. Miss Prentiss says that it isn't her business to keep watch of boats passing up and down stream, her salary being so big that she has no time to give attention to anything except the affairs of her office."
"I suppose that is meant as sarcasm," commented Alvin.
"It does sound like it, but she adds that the fisherman, Pete Davis, came into the office directly after your message reached her, and she asked him your question. He told her that such a boat as you speak of had gone past under full speed only a few minutes before and he read the name Deerfoot on her bow."
"That's it!" exclaimed Alvin. "Did the fisherman say anything more?"
"Probably he did, but Miss Prentiss hasn't reported it. Is there anything further I can do for you?"
"Nothing—thank you."
As he spoke, he passed a half dollar tip to her, whereupon she beamingly expressed her gratitude. In truth she was so pleased that she smiled more broadly than ever into the handsome face of the youth before her. Alvin suspected she was ready for a mild flirtation, but he was in no mood for such frivolity and was about to turn away, when Chester spoke in a low voice:
"She has something more to say to you."
"Well?" he remarked inquiringly, returning the sunny gaze of the young woman.
"Do you know anyone by the name of Mike Murphy?"