Marshal Crow took that instant to consult the office clock. "By ginger!" he exclaimed, with some sprightliness. "I got to be movin' along. I'm follerin' up a clue in that dog case."
Mrs. Bloomer's anxious gaze was bent on a dark corner back of the stairway.
"I do hope, if she has got any snakes in them valises, she won't let 'em get loose and go crawlin' all over the place. I——"
Mr. Crow sent a quick, searching look about the office as he strode toward the door.
"Ain't you going up to his room?" inquired Mrs. Bloomer.
"Not just now," replied Anderson, and closed the door quickly behind him.
Alf Reesling and his companions were waiting impatiently on the sidewalk. They were actively disappointed when the Marshal emerged empty-handed.
"Was he too much fer you?" was Alf's scathing inquiry.
"How many times have I got to tell you, Alf, that I'm able to deduce these cases without your assistance? Now, this is a big case, and you leave it to me to handle. When I get ready to act, you'll hear something that will make your hair stand on end. Hold on, Newt! Don't ask any questions. Don't——"
"I wasn't going to ask any questions," snapped Newt. "I was going to tell you something."