They went to the sleepy clerk behind the desk and asked him to send up word to Miss Malone that they wished to see her.
"Ah, Miss Malone," said the clerk, nodding, "before she left—"
"Left?" echoed the two giants in voices of thunder.
"She gave me this note to deliver to you."
And he passed them the envelope. Each of them placed a hand upon it and stared stupidly at the other.
"Open it!" said Harrigan hoarsely.
"I'm troubled with my old failing—a weakness of the eyes," said McTee.
"Open it yourself."
Harrigan opened it at last and drew out the paper within. They stood under a light, shoulder to shoulder, and read with difficulty, for the hand of Harrigan which held the paper shook.
Dear lads, dear Dan and Angus:
As soon as you left me, I went to the British consul, and from him I learned the shortest way of cutting across country to the railroad. By the time you read this, I am on the train and speeding north to the States.