said the hotel clerk.

Dave reflected deeply for a moment. He had a definite plan in view.
He realized that he must confide to a degree in the hotel clerk.

"The gist of the matter," said Dave, "is that Mr. Timmins has missed
connections. He should have been here two days ago. Here is a
telegram I received from the Interstate people."

The clerk read the telegram. He nodded his head and smiled, which
the observant Dave took to mean that he was friendly towards Mr.
Timmins, but knew of some of his business-lapses in the past.

"What do you want me to do?" asked the clerk.

"You notice that the Interstate people refer in that telegram to
some papers sent to the hotel here for Mr. Timmins."

"I noticed that," assented the clerk. "I shouldn't wonder if this
is the package."

As he spoke the clerk reached over to the letter case near his desk
and took up a large manila envelope. It was addressed to Mr.
Timmins, and bore in one corner the printed name and address of the
Interstate Aeroplane Co.

"That is the letter, I feel sure," said Dave.

"I have no doubt of it," agreed the clerk.