A Mysterious Paper

Business was slow, and the teller did not rush to ask if the man had any business. And the Time Traveler was a curiosity. The teller probed. "Oh, that is quite alright. Time has a way of curing the mistakes of youth. Where do you hail from, Sir?"

"From a town outside of London originally. But I have been traveling a lot. I was in New Orleans last week."

"Really? I got my start in banking there twenty years ago."

Josh listened as the Time Traveler and the teller chatted about the city. The Time Traveler was specific about everything except why he was in New Orleans, but he implied that he worked for a British firm with business interests further south. Either the Time Traveler did go to New Orleans on one of his journeys, or he had researched the subject thoroughly, as the teller appeared to have complete confidence in him. After about ten minutes of good conversation, the Traveler apologetically switched topics. He brought out an envelope from a pocket in his waistcoat, and handed it to teller. The teller opened it, and took out a single sheet of folder paper. Josh could not see the contents. The teller nodded, and said, "May I show this to Mr. Burbank?"

"By all means."

"Where are you staying?"

"We just got into town. Do you have any recommendations?"

"I assume that price is not the main consideration?"

"No. But I do not need luxury. I do need quiet and privacy."

"My recommendation would be the Alexander Hotel. It is away from the busiest roads, and so is going to be quieter. And it is near a restaurant that is the best in town. Although the coffee is not going to be as good as one gets in New Orleans."

"I would have to agree. It is fresher there, and has something that is missed when it is shipped inland. Thank you for your advice." The teller scribbled some directions on a slip of paper and handed it to the Time Traveler.

As they left the bank, Josh asked, "I don't understand. What was on that piece of paper? And why aren't we going back to the Staircase Room?"

The Time Traveler replied, "We need to check in. I think that I have enough money in the coin of 1914 to cover lodging and incidentals for about a week. Bank cards are a nice idea, but they will not get you far here."

"You are not answering my original questions. Can you give me some idea as to what you are trying to do?"

1. "You will learn a little more over dinner this evening."
2. "I am just getting us established so that we can explore. I will need some more money, which is easy enough to obtain."
3. "This is all part of a mission that I need to fulfill. It is a result of something that happened on one of my previous travels."

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