They went to the office, and, calling for the hotel register, carefully scanned the list of arrivals.
The afternoon previous they found entered the name of Colonel Johnson.
"Is Colonel Johnson in?" asked Brandon.
"We will ascertain," was the reply.
The bell-boy who was despatched to inquire returned with the message that Colonel Johnson would see the gentlemen.
They followed the attendant to a room on the third floor, where they found their employer pacing the room in visible excitement.
"Give me the parcel," he said, in a peremptory tone.
He cut the strings, and hastily opened the coveted prize.
But his eager look was succeeded by black disappointment, as, instead of the bonds, he saw a package of blank paper of about the same shape and size.