Fifteen minutes later Mason sent a telegram addressed to Miss Adelle Hastings at 906 Cleveland Square, which read:

HIGHLY IMPORTANT TO ASCERTAIN FROM P IF THERE IS ANY OBJECTION TO SETTING ASIDE SALE OF WESTERN PROSPECTING STOCK TO GAILORD TRUSTEE. PLEASE ASCERTAIN AT ONCE AND NOTIFY ME BY WIRE SENT TO MY OFFICE. M.

Chapter 9

Tidings’ secretary, Carl Mattern, opening the door of his apartment in response to Mason’s knock, regarded the lawyer with his characteristic owlish scrutiny.

“Why, good evening, Mr. Mason.”

“There’s a minor matter I wanted to clear up, Mattern,” Mason said. “I thought you could help me.”

“Certainly. Won’t you come in?”

“Thank you.”

Mason entered the modest apartment. Mattern indicated a comfortable chair, and Mason dropped into it.

“What,” Mattern asked, “can I do for you?”