E-text prepared by Al Haines
Being a Certain Case of Importance, Takenfrom the Note-book of Adam Adams,Investigator and Detective
by
Author of "The Disappearance of John Darr"
International Fiction Library
Cleveland New York
Press of the Commercial Bookbinding Co., Cleveland
1911
The young man was evidently in a tremendous hurry, and as soon as theferryboat bumped into the slip he was at the gate and was the first oneashore. He beckoned to one of the alert taxicabmen, and withoutwaiting to have the vehicle brought to him, ran to it and leaped inside.
"Do you know where the Vanderslip Building is?" he questioned abruptly.
"Yes, sir."
"Then take me there with all possible speed."
"Yes, sir."
The door slammed, the taxi driver mounted to his seat, and off the taxistarted at the best rate of speed the driver could attain. The youngman sank down among the cushions and buried his chin in his hands.
His face, normally a handsome one, was now wrinkled with care, his hairwas disheveled, and he looked as if he had lost much sleep. At timeshis mouth twitched nervously and he clenched his fists in a passionwhich availed him nothing.
"To think that she is guilty!" he muttered. "It is horrible!Horrible!" And then his whole frame shook as if with the ague. Twicehe started up, to see if he had not yet arrived at his destination.But the drive was a long one, and to him, in his keen anxiety, itappeared an age.
"If he is away—out of town—in Europe, or on some case which he cannotleave, what am I to do?" he murmured. "I've pinned my whole faith onhim."
Presently there was a jar, and the taxicab came to a halt in front of alarge office building. The young man gave one look, and, before thedriver could get down, had the door open and was on the pavement."Here you are," he said and thrust a dollar bill into the fellow'shand. Then he crossed the broad pavement and was lost to sight in thecorridor beyond.
"In a hurry and no mistake, and looks a heap worried, too," was thechauffeur's comment. "Well, I'm a quarter ahead on that fare."
For a moment the young man studied the directory on the corridor wall.Then he entered an elevator and alighted at the eighth floor. He,walked down a side hall until he came to a door upon the glass of whichwas inscribed the name:
Adam Adams
"This must be the place," he murmured, and opening the door he enteredthe office, to find himself in a plain but neatly furnished apartment,containing several chairs, and a flat-top desk, at which a young ladywas writing.
"Is Mr. Adams in?" he asked, as the young lady arose to meet him.
"What name, please?" was the counter question, and the young lady gavethe visitor a keen glance.
"Raymond Case." The young man brought forth his card. "Tell Mr. AdamsI am the son of the late Wilbur Case, and wish to see him on importantbusiness."
The young lady disappeared through a door leading to an innerapartment. From this she entered another apartment, much larger, andoverlooking the little city park far below. The room was filled withbooks and pictures, and some wall brackets contained several bits offinely-