Although Nick had given her the name of a person to call on, he was unable to tell where that person lived, and had advised Ida that she would have to find out on her arrival in the city. He could only tell that it was in a certain neighborhood, information which he had obtained from Blanche Constant after the murder.
However, assuming that this was her next direction, they went thither in what Chick felt to be a rather hopeless search.
Reaching that part of the town, they traveled the streets in all directions without hitting upon any indications of Ida’s tracks.
Coming to one corner, which they had passed several times. Nick said:
“Here’s a street that we have not been over yet; let’s try it.”
“I am afraid,” said Chick, as he followed his chief down the street indicated, “that we will find other streets that we will travel until daylight.”
He had hardly gotten the words out of his mouth than he stopped short and dropped down on his knees, looking at something intently on the pavement.
Nick halted, looking with great interest at what his aid was doing. He saw him take from his pocket a small lantern he always carried with him, and turn the light on a particular spot of the pavement.
“What is it, Chick?” said Nick.
“Red chalk marks,” said Chick.