He might give it to his friend again before ten--in which case Tom would most likely see the said friend on the stairs.

He might take it to his friend, or to some other friend, after ten--in which case Tom was ready to follow him on Sam the pony.

And, lastly, he might leave it hidden somewhere in his room at the inn--in which case I was all ready for him with a search-warrant of my own granting, under favor always of my friend the head chambermaid.

So far I had my business arrangements all gathered up nice and compact in my own hands.

Only two things bothered me; the terrible shortness of the time at my disposal, in case I failed in my first experiments, for getting hold of the letter, and that queer inscription which I had copied out of the pocketbook: "MEM.