“Better come along with me and wait in the lobby. It’s cold out here.”
Penny followed her father into the building. The hotel was an elegant one with many services available for guests. She noticed a florist shop, a candy store, a dry cleaning establishment, and even a small brokerage office opening off the lobby.
“Oh, yes,” said Mr. Parker as Penny called his attention to the brokerage. “Maxwell hasn’t overlooked anything. The hotel has a special leased wire which I’ve been told gives him a direct connection with his other places.”
Walking over to the desk, Mr. Parker mentioned his name and asked the clerk if he might see Harvey Maxwell.
“Mr. Maxwell is not here,” replied the man with an insolent air.
“When will he be at the hotel?”
“Mr. Maxwell has left the city on business. He does not expect to return until the end of next month.”
Mr. Parker could not hide his annoyance.
“Let me have his address then,” he said in a resigned voice. “I’ll write him.”
The clerk shook his head. “I have been instructed not to give you Mr. Maxwell’s address. If you wish to deal with him you will have to see his lawyer, Gorman S. Railey.”