Merriam tried to read it, but could make no sense at all. It was very long but apparently a mere string of words with little intelligible meaning.
"What----?" he began.
"It's code," said Rockwell. "I've underlined the words that count."
Picking out the significant words by means of Rockwell's underlining, Merriam read:
George kidnapped from rooms whereabouts unknown doctor disappeared cancel trip return Mary.
CHAPTER XXVIII
SIMPSON AS DETECTIVE
A moment later Mr. Wayward, who had stopped at the station cigar stand to replenish his stock of nicotine, rejoined them and was shown the telegram.
His first comment was profane.
"We've got to go back," said Rockwell. "Now that they have Norman in their power--for Crockett is behind this, of course,--they may denounce us--may make Norman himself denounce us--any minute. They have no end of a grip on him, and he has no great love for the rôle of Reformer himself--nor for me. Our only hope is to get back to Chicago and find him and get hold of him again." He jumped to his feet, "I must see the station master at once."