When the operatives reported, the Colonel's orders were brief and
explicit. "I want to know all about a man named Buchanan Ogilvy, who
is up north somewhere procuring rights of way for the Northern
California Oregon Railroad. Find him. Get up with him in the morning
and put him to bed at night. Report to me daily."

Buck was readily located in the country north of Arcata, and one of
the operatives actually procured a job as chainman with his surveying
gang, while the other kept Ogilvy and his secretary under
surveillance. Their reports, however, yielded the Colonel nothing
until the first day of Buck's return to Sequoia, when the following
written report caused the Colonel to sit up and take notice. It was
headed: "Report of Operative No. 41," and it read:

Ogilvy in his room until 12 o'clock noon. At 12:05 entered dining
room, leaving at 1 P. M. and proceeding direct to office of Cardigan
Redwood Lumber Company. Operative took post behind a lumber-pile at
side of office so as to command view of interior of office. From
manner of greeting accorded Ogilvy by Bryce Cardigan, operative is of
opinion they had not met before. Ogilvy remained in Cardigan's
private office half an hour, spent another half-hour conversing with
young lady in general office. Young lady a brunette. O. then returned
to Hotel Sequoia, where he wrote several letters in writing-room. At
3 p. M. called to telephone. At 3:02 p. M. left hurriedly for
Cardigan Redwood Lumber Company's office. Entered private office
without waiting to be announced. Emerged at 3:12, walking slowly and
in deep thought. At B and Cedar streets stopped suddenly, snapped his
fingers and started walking rapidly, in the manner of one who has
arrived at a decision. At 3:24 entered the telephone building and
placed a long-distance call. Operative standing at counter close by