“We serve breakfast when it’s wanted, sir, if you order it beforehand.”

“I seem to be the only person who has done so this morning.”

“So far as I know, sir,” the waiter replied.  “But there’s another man on early duty.”

Foster thought the other waiter would have turned on more lights if he expected a customer, and as there was no need for hurry ate a good meal.  Day was breaking when he finished and word was brought him that his car was ready.  Going to the office, he paid his bill and asked if a letter or telegram had arrived.  There was nothing for him and he went to a window that commanded a view of the street.  His car stood close by with Pete inside, but it was some time before Daly’s came out of the garage.  Knowing that he could reach the door in a few moments, Foster waited until the two ladies who had arrived with Daly went down the steps alone.  He could not understand this, but a waiter came up and said that Miss Huntley would like to see him.  When Foster reached the pavement the girl had got into the car.

“I thought you would be glad to know I am going home,” she said.

“Are you going in this car?” Foster asked sharply.

“As far as Hawick,” she answered with a twinkle of amusement.  “As I am doing what you urged, I don’t see why you should be surprised.”

“No,” said Foster, “of course not!  Well, I really think it was a useful hint.”

“Perhaps so.  Thank you, and good-by,” she said smiling, and signed to the driver.

The car rolled away and Foster, watching it speed up the street, wondered where Daly was, and why the girl had sent for him.  It was possible that she had meant to retire, so to speak, with colors flying and not to steal away, but he did not understand her amusement, and feared a Parthian shot.  He must find out why Daly did not want the car.

Going back to the office, he asked the clerk:  “Can you tell me when Mr. Forbes will be down for breakfast?”

“He left last night.  The porter took his luggage to the twelve o’clock train.”

Foster savagely clenched his fist.  He had been cheated; the girl had warned Daly, who had suspected some danger.  Still, Foster did not think she had told him all and she had taken his advice; but this did not matter.  Daly had gone and he must get upon his track as soon as possible.  Running down the steps, he jumped into the car and told the man to drive to the station.

The twelve o’clock train went to London, but there was a connection by which one could reach Liverpool at about four in the morning.  It was now eight o’clock, and Foster walked up and down the platform, growling at his folly, for a minute or two.  Then he ascertained that there was another train for Liverpool in half an hour which would arrive at noon, and sending the car away, waited about the office until he could get tickets.  After all, he might find Daly before the steamer sailed.