“Yes,” replied Mr. Mountain, “if it is to be done, let us do it right away. But first let me go into the hotel with this.”
The young man was reluctant, but yet he followed and Mr. Mountain, going to the desk, asked the clerk to place it in the safe and give it to no one but himself.
This done, the two walked out of the hotel.
As Nick had foreseen, their way was up to the Thirtieth Street house. What the young man did not see was a trick played by Mr. Mountain, a trick taught him by Nick.
Every three or four steps they took, a small piece of paper fluttered from Mr. Mountain’s hand. It was thus Nick could ascertain that the Thirtieth Street house was their destination.
Everything moved precisely as it had the day before. The young man showed Mr. Mountain into the parlor and disappeared to call the person Mr. Mountain had come to see.
There was a wait for some time, and then the Brown Robin swept into the room.
“I am very glad to renew your acquaintance, Mr. Mountain,” said the Brown Robin.
Mr. Mountain fairly staggered in his surprise.
“Why! Why!” he exclaimed. “Alberta Curtis!”