When the clock struck eleven he could stand the suspense no longer. He summoned Martha.
"I am going out to look for Mrs. Vernon," he said. "If she comes in in the meantime tell her not to worry about me."
"Very well," answered the maid.
Robert had decided to call first at the Masonic Temple, a large business building situated in the heart of Chicago. It was in the Temple that the offices were located which Mrs. Vernon had started to visit early that morning.
He rode the greater part of the distance and reached the office building shortly before midnight. The ground floor was still open, but the great majority of the offices were dark.
Approaching one of the hallmen he asked about the meeting of the manufacturing company.
"I don't know anything about that," was the answer. "But Joe Dolan does. I'll call him."
"The meeting broke up about noon," said Joe Dolan, when summoned.
"Do you remember Mrs. Vernon?"
"I don't know the lady by name. How was she dressed?"