"We will be back to see about it in a few hours," promised Dave.

The watchman led the boys to the big gate of' the factory yard and
let them out. The rain had ceased and the wind was not blowing so
hard as before.

"What now, Dave?" inquired Hiram, as they found themselves in the
deserted street.

"The Northern Hotel."

"Oh, going to try and fix things before daylight?"

"We can't afford to lose a minute," declared Dave. "There's a
policeman. I want to ask him a question."

They hurried to a corner where a policeman had halted under the
street lamp. Dave inquired the location of the Northern Hotel.
Then the boys proceeded again on their way, and reached the place in
about half an hour.

The night clerk and others were on duty. Dave approached the desk
and addressed the clerk.

"Is a Mr. Timmins stopping here?" he asked.

"Why, no," replied the clerk, looking Dave and Hiram over curiously,
their somewhat queer garb attracting his attention.

"Do you know him, may I inquire?"