“For three reasons,” said Nick. “First, the signature—A. Monaker.”
“What about it? It evidently is a man’s name. I see nothing remarkable in that.”
“There is, nevertheless,” Nick replied. “Monaker, Belden, is a slang term for a nickname. Undoubtedly in this case it refers to a fictitious name, or an alias. It means, I think, that an alias would be used in the message afterward sent, signed Martin and addressed to John Dalton, presumably an alias of which Dalton already was informed.”
“By gracious, Carter, you may be right.”
“Ten will hit me told Dalton at just what time he must expect the message. He was, in effect, directed to call for it at that hour. Obviously, too, the business is secret and important, as well as off color, or such a circumspect method of communication would not be necessary.”
“Surely not,” Belden agreed. “But what do you make of the last—quickest route?”
“By wire, Belden, of course,” said Nick. “A telegram is the quickest means of communication when the telephone cannot be wisely and conveniently used.”
“That’s right, too,” Belden readily admitted. “By Jove, you have a long head, Mr. Carter.”
“Training enables one to detect such points as these,” Nick replied. “Do you know Gus Dewitt, to whom this message is addressed?”
“I do not.”