"He refuses, eh? Does he give any reason?"

"None. I'm sorry."

Armstrong hung up the receiver, and with a gesture of despair turned about. Dorns eyed him, produced a cigar, bit on it.

"Back, is he?"

"Yes. No chance."

"Huh! Had breakfast?"

"Yes."

"So've I. Let's go! I want to get this thing cleaned up and catch a noon train East. Got to be in New York to-morrow night sure. Come on! This bird sees us inside of ten minutes."

Armstrong shrugged, caught up his hat, and followed Dorns. They found a taxicab at the hotel entrance. Dorns growled at the driver.

"Statehouse. Make it quick."