Tim went to the check room to question the porter. The information gained there was a little more helpful.
“Yes sir, there’s ‘Mr. Seven’s’ bags over there,” said the porter. “He said he’d be gone several days and for me to keep a close watch on them. I guess they must be pretty important ’cause he gave me two dollars in advance for watching them.”
“Didn’t you hear him say where he was going?” pressed Tim.
“He didn’t say a thing except ask where there was a rent-a-car garage?”
“What did you tell him?”
“I gave him the name of several. Kelleys and Brackens.”
There was no further information to be gained from the porter and Tim rejoined the inspector, to whom he recounted the slight information he had gleaned.
“‘Mr. Seven’ appears to be an interesting character. I’d like to stay here and help you run him down, but I’ve another case in the southern part of the state that is needing immediate attention. Sorry I can’t be of any real help.”
Tim watched the inspector depart with a sinking heart. He had counted more than he cared to admit upon the ability of the federal officer to strip away the secrecy which had surrounded “Mr. Seven” since his arrival in Atkinson.
But tracing down “Mr. Seven” wasn’t a newspaper assignment and Tim turned his steps toward the office where Ralph eagerly awaited news of the visit to the Ransom House.