“Look up those two things. I feel sure they will repay you.” Then, as Dick picked up his hat and cane, “Tillinghast, you have acted with great discretion in this affair, and I feel convinced you will carry your investigations to a successful issue. If I can be of service to you at any time, come and see me.”
Thanking the Secretary warmly for his encouraging words, Dick hastened out of the room. At the Star Office, he found a note awaiting him from Peggy. She asked him to come and see her that afternoon and “report progress.”
“‘Report progress,’” groaned poor Dick. “I’m damned if I can. Your Uncle Dudley’s up a tree for sure, Peggy darling, but he’ll do some tall climbing before he gives up, you bet.”
“Say, son, the City Editor wants you P. D. Q.,” called Dan Conner. “Stop mooning and hump yourself.”
Taking the hint, Dick fled upstairs to the city room on the double quick.
“Morning, Dick,” said Colonel Byrd. “Gibson has just sent word that he is sick, so you will have to take his place at the Capitol. Get down there early, as there are some important committee meetings to cover. By the way, any further news about the Trevor murder?”
“Not now, sir. There may be some new developments shortly, though. Can I get off if I hear of anything turning up in that quarter?”
“Sure; drop everything and run. Get your stuff in as quick as you can.” And the busy editor turned back to his desk.
The clock was just striking half past five when Dick, after an eventful day at the Capitol, reached Mrs. Macallister’s hospitable mansion on F Street. The old house with its Colonial architecture looked like a relic of antebellum days, for standing as it did well back from the sidewalk, with two fine old elms on either side of the brick walk, it had an individuality of its own. A central hall ran through it, the drawing-room and dining-room being to the left of the front door, while the large library and billiard room were on the other side. The ceilings were very high, which made the house most comfortable in hot weather. That fact, combined with her beautiful rose garden, induced Mrs. Macallister to stay in the city until July.