He looked around him, and saw in the long line of dingy buildings a narrow alley. Through this he made his way, and soon emerged into a busy wholesale street.
His first step was to proceed to a barber’s shop and have his mustache shaved off. Then he purchased a hat andcoat of different patterns from those he had been wearing, and donned them. The garments of which he divested himself he tied in a bundle and carried in his hand.
These transactions occupied but little time; they were for the purpose of avoiding ready recognition, for he remembered Snags’ assertion that he was regarded as an accomplice in Carlos’ supposed crime, and it was possible that his appearance and dress had already been telegraphed to officers who might be on the lookout for him.
Next he found his way to the custom-house, and inquired of one of the clerks for the superintendent, or some person in authority.
The clerk silently pointed to a man seated within an inclosure of railing. The man was busily engaged with some papers, and scarcely looked up as Leonard accosted him.
“Can I have a few words with you, sir?”
“Yes,” was the reply, delivered with the air of one whose time was precious.
“I presume there is a secret detective service connected with this department?”
“Yes.”
“Can you direct me to some reliable, shrewd person engaged in that service?”