The two detectives crossed the street to the little red house and Owens knocked.
The woman who came to the door held it open for them to enter and in they went.
"We are looking for an empty front room," said the Scotland Yarder.
"I've just had one vacated," was the reply. "It's on the second floor, and the young man who held it went off to-day and will not be back."
"Might we look at the room, madam?"
The woman led the way to the stairs and said to Owens:
"First room front up there. You can find it easily. I have to look after the kitchen just now, but will be up in a little while."
This was just the opportunity the detectives wanted, and in a few seconds they stood in the room overhead.
It was a plainly furnished apartment with a few chairs, and several coarse prints on the walls.
"Not a very fine nest for our bird," smiled the American detective. "He was not very choice, for he knew he would not keep the room very long, but that he would soon be the occupant of a ship's cabin."