"I overslept," explained Tim, "and I've got an appointment to meet Inspector Prentiss at the Ransom House in half an hour. If the office can stagger through another hour without me I'll have breakfast before I meet the inspector." "After the yarn you turned in last night I guess you can take the day off if you want it," said Watkins. Tim stopped at a restaurant for breakfast on his way to the hotel and reached the lobby of the Ransom House exactly at eight-thirty. Inspector Prentiss was equally prompt. "Let's have a look at your mysterious 'Mr. Seven' and see if we can't strip a little of the mystery from him," he suggested. Tim went up to the desk. "Is 'Mr. Seven' in?" he inquired. "Sorry, he left last night," replied the clerk. Tim's hopes crashed. "Didn't he leave a forwarding address?" "No, he checked out of his room but he left his baggage with the porter." "Then he's coming back soon?" "I presume so." Tim went to the check room to question the porter. The information gained there was a little more helpful. "Yes sir, there's 'Mr. Seven's' bags over there," said the porter. "He said he'd be gone several days and for me to keep a close watch on them. I guess they must be pretty important 'cause he gave me two dollars in advance for watching them." "Didn't you hear him say where he was going?" pressed Tim. "He didn't say a thing except ask where there was a rent-a-car garage?" "What did you tell him?" "I gave him the name of several. Kelleys and Brackens." There was no further information to be gained from the porter and Tim rejoined the inspector, to whom he recounted the slight information he had gleaned. "'Mr. Seven' appears to be an interesting character. I'd like to stay here and help you run him down, but I've another case in the southern part of the state that is needing immediate attention. Sorry I can't be of any real help." Tim watched the inspector depart with a sinking heart. He had counted more than he cared to admit upon the ability of the federal officer to strip away the secrecy which had surrounded "Mr. Seven" since his arrival in Atkinson. But tracing down "Mr. Seven" wasn't a newspaper assignment and Tim turned his steps toward the office where Ralph eagerly awaited news of the visit to the Ransom House. "What's the good word?" he asked. Tim shook his head glumly. "There isn't any. 'Mr. Seven' checked out last night but left his baggage at the hotel." "Then he's coming back?" "Undoubtedly, but that is another question, and what's more, he may be doing something right now that is big news." "Why don't you go to Carson and get a couple of days off. That would give you a real chance to run down this story." "The managing editor would probably laugh at my hunch. Nope, I'll keep my eye on the story and try to grab on to 'Mr. Seven' when he comes back to the hotel."