The next morning I received information from headquarters. It was a
long-code telegram, and I eagerly deciphered it, to learn that Mrs.
Egerton Purvis was an English lady who was spending a few months in
New York City. She was staying at the Albion Hotel, and seemed to be in
every way above suspicion of any sort.
Of course I started off at once to see Mrs. Purvis.
Parmalee came just as I was leaving the inn, and was of course anxious
and inquisitive to know where I was going, and what I was going to do.
At first I thought I would take him into my confidence, and I even
thought of taking him with me. But I felt sure I could do better work
alone. It might be that Mrs. Egerton Purvis should turn out to be an
important factor in the case, and I suppose it was really an instinct of
vanity that made me prefer to look her up without Parmalee by my side.
So I told him that I was going to New York on a matter in connection
with the case, but that I preferred to go alone, but I would tell him
the entire result of my mission as soon as I returned. I think he was
a little disappointed, but he was a good-natured chap, and bade me a
cheerful goodby, saying he would meet me on my return.