The gambler coolly puffed at a cigar as he leaned against the casing of the long window at Doctor Taylor's back; there was the faint shadow of a smile on his lips as he watched Langham furtively.
"I doubt if North will be found," said the latter.

"I doubt if he is in Mount Hope," he continued haltingly.
"What ?" It was Moxlow who spoke.
"This morning I received a brief communication from him; it was written late last night; he informed me that he should leave for the West on the Chicago express.

He inclosed the keys to his rooms." Marshall Langham glanced at Gilmore, who seemed deeply absorbed.

The coroner fidgeted in his seat; dismay and unspeakable surprise were plainly stamped on Colonel Harbison's face; Moxlow appeared quite nonplussed by what his partner had last said.
"I was aware that he contemplated this trip West," said Langham quickly.
"He had asked me to dispose of the contents of his rooms when he should be gone." "Did he tell you where he was going, Marshall ?" asked Moxlow.
Langham raised his bloodshot eyes.
"No; he seemed in some doubt as to his plans." "For how long a time have you known of Mr.North's intention to leave Mount Hope ?" asked Moxlow.
"Only since yesterday, but I have known for quite a while that he planned some radical move of this sort.

I think he had grown rather tired of Mount Hope." "Isn't it true that his money was about gone ?" questioned Moxlow significantly.
"I know nothing of his private affairs," answered Langham hastily.