“How long will you be gone, Dick?”

“Not more than half an hour at the most—­ and maybe not half that,” responded the big brother.

Sam dropped behind and Dick entered the dingy office building.  From the directory on the wall the oldest Rover boy learned that the brokers were located on the fourth floor, rooms 408 to 412,—­ the numerals really meaning offices 8 to 12 on floor 4.  He got into one of the narrow elevators and soon reached the fourth floor.

The offices of Pelter, Japson & Company were located in the rear, overlooking the roof of a restaurant on the street beyond.  Dick entered a tiny waiting room and an office boy came to ask what he wanted.

“I wish to see Mr. Pelter,” said Dick.

“Not in yet.”

“When do you expect him?.”

“Ought to be here now.”

“Then I’ll wait,” and Dick dropped on a chair.  He had hardly done so when the door opened and a burly individual hurried in.  He gave Dick an inquiring look.

“Wants to see you, Mr. Pelter,” said the office boy.  “Just came in.”

“Want to see me?  What is it?” and the head of the brokerage firm stepped up to Dick.

“You are Mr. Pelter?”

“Yes.”

“I am Richard Rover—­ Anderson Rover’s son.”

“Ah! indeed!” cried Jesse Pelter, and gave a slight start.  “Glad to meet you, Mr. Rover,” and he held out his hand.  “Will you—­ er—­ step into my office?”

He led the way through two offices to one in the extreme rear.  This was well furnished, with a desk, a table, several chairs and a bookcase filled with legal-looking volumes.  In one corner was a telephone booth, and a telephone connection also rested on the desk.

“I came to see about my father,” said Dick, as he sat down in a chair to which the broker motioned.

“You mean, about your father’s business, I suppose.”

“No, about my father.  Do you know where he is, Mr. Pelter ?”

“Know where he is?  What do you mean?  Isn’t he in New York?” The broker pretended to arrange some papers on his desk as he spoke and did not look at Dick.

“He has disappeared and I thought you might know something about it.”

Dick looked the man full in the face.  He saw the broker start and then try to control himself.

“Well that—­ er—­ accounts for it,” said Jesse Pelter, slowly, as if trying to make up his mind what to say.

“Accounts for what?”

“Why, he didn’t come back here as he said he would.”

“He has been here then?”

“Yes, a number of days ago.  We had quite some important business to transact.  He said he would come back the next day and sign some papers, and fix up some other matters.  But he didn’t come.”

“Did he say he would be here sure?”

“He did.  So he has disappeared?  That is strange.  Perhaps some accident happened to him.”

“I hope not.  I knew he came to New York to see you and your partners.  I thought you could tell me something about him.”