“Excuse me,” said Jack, who had stood undecided whether to follow his chums. “I’ll be right back.”
And he, too, walked rapidly away.
With a sigh, Mr. Temple picked up his morning paper. But he was unable to concentrate on his reading. His eyes wandered anxiously toward the door despite himself. In a few minutes, however, his anxiety was relieved. He saw the forms of the three boys appear. From their expressions, he gathered that they had been unsuccessful.
“No use,” said Frank. “He had disappeared.”
“There are three doorways to as many streets,” explained Jack, sinking into his chair. “Each of us went a different way, but we couldn’t see him.”
“Maybe he’s a guest here,” said Bob, “and went to his room.”
“Good idea,” said Frank. “Why didn’t I think of that before? I’ll just go and describe him to the room clerk and see if he’s here, and maybe I can learn his name.”
He would have gone at once, but Mr. Temple restrained him.
“Finish your breakfast first, Frank,” said he. “You have barely touched your eggs and bacon. If the man is a guest here, you can get the information just as well a half hour from now.”
The boys finished breakfast in record time. Mr. Temple sighed.