As Froman’s cab swung down the avenue, Harry hailed a passing taxi and took up the pursuit before the other vehicle was out of sight.
Froman’s destination was the apartment house where Parker Noyes lived. When Froman entered the building, Harry Vincent was close behind, and heard the other man ask the way to the lawyer’s apartment. Harry followed no farther; he left the building, and walked down the street to find the nearest telephone.
Arriving at the door of the lawyer’s apartment, Froman knocked, and when the servant answered, asked if Mr. Noyes was at home. Receiving a reply in the affirmative, the visitor extended an engraved card, which the servant eyed in a curious manner. It bore the name:
F. O. FROMAN.
The man ushered the visitor into the apartment, and took the card to his master. He returned and courteously conducted Froman into the little office. Noyes, seated by his desk, looked up in a puzzled manner as Froman appeared, motioning his visitor to close the door behind him.
“WHY are you here?” questioned Noyes. “You know it’s not safe. I ordered you to stay away because too much contact may be dangerous!”
“It was important that I come,” answered Froman. “I’m worried, and I decided a personal visit would be the only solution.”
The lawyer nodded slowly. Like Froman, Noyes seemed troubled. Froman detected his companion’s attitude, and put a short, quick question:
“Regarding Helmsworth?”
Noyes nodded again thoughtfully. “He was in to see me again to-day,” he declared. “I have solved the trouble at last. Helmsworth has admitted that the cruising distance is too great for his submarine. He doubts if he can make it to Riga and return. He wants to put into some port.”