After a little reflection he decided to go to Union Square and interview some of the drivers waiting for passengers there.
He did so, but the driver who had actually been employed by Hartley was absent, and he learned nothing. One driver, however, remembered carrying a gentleman and child to a house on Twenty-seventh street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues.
Dan thought the clew of sufficient importance to be followed up. His courage rose when, on inquiring at the house mentioned, he learned that a child had actually been brought there.
"May I see the child, madam?" he asked.
"If you like," answered the lady, in surprise.
She appeared in a short time with a boy of about Althea's age.
Dan's countenance fell.
"It is a little girl I am inquiring after," he said.
"Then why didn't you say so?" demanded the woman, sharply. "You would have saved me some trouble."
"I beg your pardon, madam."