"By no means."
"I thought I detected something of the kind in the tone of your voice."
By this time Killett had made his appearance, and the detectives, the reporter, and nearly every one connected with the hotel, spread themselves through the house in search of the missing man.
After an hour they returned to the point from whence they had started, and were obliged to confess that their efforts had been in vain. Emory E. Bissell had utterly vanished, and left no trace behind!
"Well," said Killett, drawing Old Spicer aside, and speaking in a low tone, "there can be no question about it, the fellow was playing 'possum, and he's got clean away. What had we better do now?"
"He must be found," said Old Spicer, decidedly.
"No question about that; but where shall we look first?"
"Have you no suggestion to make on that point yourself?"
"I think he's still in this neighborhood."
"I think it's quite possible; and, if you're willing, I'll leave you here for a time and look after another matter."