Suddenly the bell of the telephone on Mr. Baker's desk ran sharply. He answered it, then turned to Duvall.
"Miss Green, the telephone operator, is at her desk," he said. "Would you like to take a look at her?"
"Yes." The detective arose, and followed Mr. Baker into the corridor. The switchboard of the building was located at the end of the hall, in a small bare room. When they reached it, Mr. Baker spoke to a dark-haired, rather stout, woman who sat at the desk.
"Miss Green," he said, "if any calls come in for Mr. Duvall, he will be in my office." Then he went back along the corridor.
"She certainly isn't the woman we are after," he remarked to Duvall, as soon as they were out of earshot.
"No. It must be Miss Ford," the detective replied.
"Suppose we go to the developing and finishing department," Baker suggested. "It is time all our people were on hand. Mr. Emmett, who is in charge there, can tell us about Miss Ford."
They crossed to the other side of the building, and entered a small office. A bald-headed man sat at a littered desk.
"Mr. Emmett," Baker said, "shake hands with Mr. Duvall. He is looking for a young woman in the finishing department. Miss Marcia Ford. Has she come in yet?"
"No," replied the bald-headed man, gravely shaking hands. "She is not here this morning. It is rather surprising, too, for she usually is on time."