It was ten o'clock next day when Hatch called on The Thinking Machine. There he was introduced to John Doane, the man who was lost. The Thinking Machine was asking questions of Mr. Doane when Hatch was ushered in.
"Did the map recall nothing?"
"Nothing."
"Montana, Montana, Montana," the scientist repeated monotonously; "think of it. Butte, Montana."
Doane shook his head hopelessly, sadly.
"Cowboy, cowboy. Did you ever see a cowboy?" Again the head shake.
"Coyote--something like a wolf--coyote. Don't you recall ever having seen one?"
"I'm afraid it's hopeless," remarked the other.
There was a note of more than ordinary irritation in The Thinking Machine's voice when he turned to Hatch.
"Mr. Hatch, will you walk through the financial district with Mr. Doane?" he asked. "Please go to the places I suggested."