"That's it," he cried, "that's it! What an idiot I was not to think of it before."
Putting aside the pipe he took down a directory and began turning the pages rapidly. Now and then he made a rapid note upon a block of paper. Then he pushed the book away, descended the steps two at a time, and in the lower hall put on his hat. Stumph, hurrying to be of some service, reached the hall just as the street door slammed; and through a window he saw Ashton-Kirk, with eager tread, hurrying up the street.
[CHAPTER XXI]
The Man With the Decoration
It was rather late on the afternoon of the same day that Ashton-Kirk, accompanied by young Fuller, entered a government building at Washington. Apparently the secret agent was expected, for he was ushered into the same superbly appointed office as upon his former visit; and the same ruddy-faced, white-haired official greeted him.
"So," said the latter, "the hunt has brought you here."
Ashton-Kirk tossed his gloves and hat upon the desk and shook hands.
"That," said he, "is now the status of the affair—it's a hunt; and the pack is an assorted one and in full cry."