midnight before
To the agents of the second we repaired in hot haste . It was just possible we had the key to the mystery in our hands . `` No , '' said the clerk , who waited upon us , in response to our inquiries , `` I am quite sure no fresh hand was taken on board in Rio , and I am equally certain that she carried no passengers . '' So minute and searching were our inquiries that it was well-nigh midnight before we had finished them . As on the previous occasions , Max had disappeared without , apparently , leaving a clue of any sort behind , to tell us of his whereabouts . Next morning we were early at work again . By mid-day we had visited all the principal hotels , and many of less repute , had made inquiries at the various labour offices , at the railway stations , had interrogated the police and harbour officials , but still without success .