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With quick decision he swung about and returned to the library. In another moment, he was addressing the woman at the library desk.

“Is it possible that I obtain at once Los Angeles paper for June, three years ago?” he inquired.

“Certainly, Mr. Chan,” she answered. “Just fill out the card.”

He filled it hastily, and saw it passed to a young assistant. The girl started to move toward the files, glancing at the card as she did so. She turned and came back.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I just happened to remember. That volume of the Los Angeles Times is in use just now.”

“In use?” Chan was surprised.

“Yes. A gentleman took it out half an hour ago.”

“Can you describe this gentleman?”

The girl nodded toward the reading-room. “He’s still there. By that farther window.”

Chan went over and peered round the corner of a bookcase. Seated bent over a huge gray-bound volume, he saw Huntley Van Horn. The picture actor did not look up; he seemed grimly intent on what he was doing. With a gesture toward the desk, meant to convey the fact that he dropped the whole matter, Chan walked softly out of the building.