"Weren't you the girl who wanted to see George Hoges?"
"Yes, I am."
"He just called for his mail a few minutes ago."
Penny's heart sank. After waiting nearly two days she had missed the man. And it was entirely her own fault.
"You didn't see which direction he went?"
"No, I didn't," the clerk answered. "But he left only a minute or so before you came in."
"Then maybe I can still catch him," Penny said hopefully.
She ran from the building, pausing on the outside steps to survey the street. A man who from a distance resembled the ex-museum worker was just turning the corner.
"I believe it's Mr. Hoges!" she thought excitedly.
Penny raced to the corner. The man was only a little ways ahead, and as he paused for an instant to glance into a shop window, she caught a glimpse of his face. It was George Hoges.