be the instrument of returning Miss
Norris her savings bank book.

When he left the boat he walked along till he reached a modest-looking
hotel, where he thought the charges would be reasonable. He entered,
and, going to the desk, asked if he could have a room.

"Large or small?" inquired the clerk.

"Small."

"No. 67. Will you go up now?"

"Yes, sir."

"Any baggage?"

"No; I had it stolen on the boat."

The clerk looked a little suspicious.

"We must require pay in advance, then," he said.

"Certainly," answered Carl, pulling out a roll of bills. "I suppose you
make special terms to commercial travelers?"

"Are you a drummer?"

"Yes. I represent Henry Jennings, of Milford, New York."

"All right, sir. Our usual rates are two dollars a day. To you they will
be a dollar and a quarter."

"Very well; I will pay you for two days. Is breakfast ready?"

"It is on the table, sir."

"Then I will go in at once. I will go to my room afterwards."

In spite of his loss, Carl had a hearty appetite, and did justice to the
comfortable breakfast provided. He bought a morning paper, and ran his
eye over the advertising columns. He had never before read an Albany
paper, and wished to get an idea of the city in its business aspect. It
occurred to him that there might be an advertisement of the lost bank
book. But no such notice met his eyes.

He went up to his room, which was small and plainly furnished, but
looked comfortable. Going down again to the office, he looked into the
Albany directory to see if he could find the name of Rachel Norris.

There was a Rebecca Norris, who was put down as a dressmaker, but that
was as near as he came to Rachel Norris.

Then he set himself to looking over the other members of the Norris
family. Finally he picked out Norris & Wade, furnishing goods, and
decided to call at the store and inquire if they knew any lady named
Rachel Norris. The prospect of gaining information in this way did not
seem very promising, but no other course presented itself, and Carl
determined to follow up the clew, slight as it was.

Though unacquainted with Albany streets, he had little difficulty in
finding the store of Norris & Wade. It was an establishment of good
size, well supplied with attractive goods. A clerk came forward to wait
upon Carl.

"What can I show you?" he asked.

"You may show me Mr. Norris, if you please," responded Carl, with a
smile.

"He is in the office," said the cler