“After the yarn you turned in last night I guess you can take the day off if you want it,” said Watkins.
Tim stopped at a restaurant for breakfast on his way to the hotel and reached the lobby of the Ransom House exactly at eight-thirty. Inspector Prentiss was equally prompt.
“Let’s have a look at your mysterious ‘Mr. Seven’ and see if we can’t strip a little of the mystery from him,” he suggested.
Tim went up to the desk.
“Is ‘Mr. Seven’ in?” he inquired.
“Sorry, he left last night,” replied the clerk. Tim’s hopes crashed.
“Didn’t he leave a forwarding address?”
“No, he checked out of his room but he left his baggage with the porter.”
“Then he’s coming back soon?”
“I presume so.”