To be sure, they had not expected to obtain any clue so soon, but it would have been very satisfactory, of course, to obtain one.
A little farther on they saw approaching a buggy similar to their own, driven by a man of middle age. It turned out to be an acquaintance of the landlord’s, and the two stopped to speak.
“Going to Knoxville on business, Mr. Gates?” asked the newcomer.
“Well, not exactly. I am driving this young man over. By the way, have you seen anything of a tall man, with long, black hair, dressed in black?”
“Yes. Do you want to see him?”
“This young man has some business with him. Where did you see him?”
“He arrived at our hotel about an hour since, I calculate.”
Philip’s heart bounded with satisfaction at this important news.
“Did he put up there?”
“Yes. I believe he is going to give a reading this evening.”