CHAPTER V.
PATSY STRIKES A SNAG.
Patsy Garvan never did things by halves. Soon after six o’clock that evening a dapper young man of remarkably inoffensive aspect, barring a somewhat fierce upward twist of his mustache, which was also remarkable in that it could be quickly transferred to his vest pocket—soon after six o’clock this dapper young man entered the Hotel Westgate and sauntered to the office inclosure.
Though it was a busy hour of the day and the subordinate clerks actively engaged, Patsy quickly found an opportunity to speak to Vernon, to whom he said quietly:
“Keep that same expression on your face, old top. A look of surprise might be seen by some gink whom we least suspect. I’m Garvan, Nick Carter’s assistant. In[Pg 19]vite me into that cubbyhole back of the bookkeeper’s desk. I want a bit of information from you.”
Vernon instantly grasped the situation. He nodded, while smiling and shaking hands with Patsy over the counter.
“Step around to the end of the inclosure and I’ll let you in,” he replied.
Patsy did so and was admitted, taking a chair back of the bookkeeper’s high desk, which concealed him from view of persons outside of the inclosure.
“By Jove, Garvan, I never would have recognized you,” Vernon then laughed quietly. “What can I do for you?”
Patsy told him without stating why he wanted the information, but cautioned him to say nothing about the matter.
“I can tell you in a very few minutes,” Vernon then said, more gravely. “The ledger accounts will show just who has been here during the period you mention, also just when they arrived. I will get it. We will look it over together.”