midnight before
The thought brought Kent to his feet . `` Good night , Mrs. Sherlock Holmes , '' he said jestingly , `` I 'll follow your advice '' -- There was no opportunity to say more , for several men had discovered the widow 's perch on the stairs and came to claim their dances . Over their heads McIntyre watched Kent stride downstairs , then stooping over he picked up Mrs. Brewster 's fan and sat down to patiently await her return . Kent 's pursuit of the detective took longer than he had anticipated , and it was after midnight before he finally located him at the office of the Chief of Detectives in the District Building . `` I 've called for the envelope you took from my safe early this evening , '' he began without preface , hardly waiting for the latter 's surprised greeting . `` Why , Mr. Kent , I left it lying on the porch table at the club , '' declared Ferguson . `` Did n't you take it ? ''