"Let's try the first names, then. We want L's, whether we're looking for 'Louise' or 'Leonard.'"
"Here's 'Lucy,' 'Laura,' 'Lester,' and one, two, three with just 'L.'"
"Those will be the ones for us to try first I'll copy their Chautauqua addresses," and Captain Morton drew out a notebook with a hand that trembled.
In spite of the number being so reduced, the search was disappointing. One Mrs. L. Smith lived near the College and proved to be a young woman with a black-eyed baby who demanded her attention imperatively when her callers asked about her acquaintances among the other Smiths of the place.
A second Mrs. L. Smith lived near the fence back of Alumni Hall and was as much too old as the first Mrs. Smith was too young. The third Mrs. L. Smith was just enough a matter of doubt to Captain Morton for him to begin his interview diplomatically.
"Have you ever been in Mexico?" he asked.
"Yes," she answered promptly, though evidently surprised.
"About how long ago?" ventured the Captain.
"It's nearly twenty years now. I was about twenty at the time."
The Mortons excused themselves and continued on their rounds.