"Say you are looking for work," replied his father. "When you see him, be sure and shake hands with him. That will make the identification more complete; won't it, Bronson?"
"Yes, that's a good idea."
Eager to begin his watch, Fred hastened to the hotel, and dropped into a chair near the elevator, where he proceeded, apparently, to read a newspaper, though in reality he was looking over its edge at the people who passed before him.
Scarcely had he seated himself than he saw the two investigators enter, and finally Clothespin, all three of whom took chairs whence they could watch Fred.
When evening came without Gibbs, the boy saw Howard approach the hotel desk and heard him ask if Mr. Sanders had left.
"No; he's still here," replied a clerk, "but he's out."
At ten o'clock Fred took a room, returning to his vigil early the next morning. As before, Howard inquired for Sanders, and learned that he had not returned to the hotel the previous night.
The day and evening passed without his appearing, and when Friday also went by without a sight of Montgomery's brother-in-law, the boys became uneasy.
They had learned of Landon's victory, and each wanted to return to Baxter in time for the deciding game.
As Fred was walking nervously up and down the lobby, just before six, he saw the object of his search enter the hotel, go to the desk, and then start toward the elevator.