At that moment the telephone bell rang sharply.
"Looks like you were not going to be so lonely after all," observed Prentice.
Forrester picked up the receiver.
"Hello!" said a man's voice. "Is that you, Mr. Forrester?"
"Yes," replied Forrester.
"I want to get a little information," informed the voice. "I believe you expect to put some money into a certain tree tomorrow night."
"Who are you?" demanded Forrester.
"That is of no immediate importance," returned the voice. "What I wanted was to find out the exact time at which you intended to place the money in that tree."
"I am not giving any information to strangers," snapped Forrester.
"I am sorry," returned the voice in a conciliatory tone, "but I can't give you any particulars at this time. It is important, however, that I know at what hour you intend to visit the tree."