"Nothing. He just came in, looked around, and then went out."
"His face was as dark as a thunder-cloud," remarked Matthew.
"Is No. 4 vacant?" inquired one of the young men.
"Yes."
"Send us up a bottle of wine and some cigars. And when Bill Harding and Harry Lee come in, tell them where they can find us."
"All right," said Matthew. "And now, take a friend's advice and make yourselves scarce."
The young men left the room hastily. Scarcely had they departed, ere I saw the same gentleman come in, whose anxious face had, a little while before, thrown its shadow over the apartment. He was the father in search of his sons. Again he glanced around nervously; and this time appeared to be disappointed. As he entered, Slade went out.
"Have John and Wilson been here this evening?" he asked, coming up to the bar and addressing Matthew.
"They are not here;" replied Matthew, evasively.
"But haven't they been here?"