He scratched this off hastily, placed it in a conspicuous place, and swiftly departed, after extinguishing the light.

He was no longer conscious of fatigue, or the pain of bruises, his mind eager to learn the meaning of this new discovery.
It had been a quiet night at the City Hall Station, and West encountered no difficulty in reaching the presence of the lieutenant in charge.

The latter gazed at his caller curiously over an early edition of the morning paper, as the officer who had opened the door to the inner office, said rather doubtfully.
"This guy wants to see you personally, sir; he wouldn't talk to no one else." "All right, Slavin; shut the door, and I'll hear what he has to say.

What is it, my man ?" West explained swiftly and clearly, his manner of speech, as well as his statement as to who he was, evidently making a favourable impression on his listener, who interrupted the brief narrative with several respectfully asked questions.

He look the note, spread it out on the desk, and studied it carefully.
"Looks genuine enough," he commented at last, "but not very clear.