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At the hotel, Tintin told Captain about his visit with the Marinos, and they discussed their plan of action.

"But do you know where to go?" Haddock asked.

"No," Tintin mumbled. "I'd have expected some sort of ransom note." Just then there was a knock at the door. Tintin opened it, surprised to see Edda.

"Miss Marino," he greeted. "Won't you come in?"

"Sorry, Mr. Tintin," Edd said. "I can't stay long. I found this at our front door when you left." She handed him the note, and turned to leave. "I must be off now."

"Thank you," Tintin called. "Good evening."

"Good evening."

Tintin looked at the Captain with a confused expression as he unfolded the note. He frowned as he read.

'Tintin,

If you ever want to see your dog again, meet us at the empty house across the street from your hotel. Come alone.

We know where you are…

Signed,

~ a Friend.'

"Wonderful," he remarked, handing the note to Haddock. "Though I could hardly call him a friend."

"How is that wonderful?" Haddock asked.

"I was half being sarcastic," Tintin answered, and began pacing. "And the other half is relief that I at least know where Snowy is."

"What if it's a trap?" the Captain asked.

"It may very well be," Tintin said. "But I have travelled too far looking for my dog to pass up an opportunity like this."

"What are you saying, lad?"

"I'm going over there," Tintin replied. "Right now, in fact."

"I wouldn't expect anything less of you," Haddock replied.

"But I'm going alone," Tintin added, before the Captain could say he was going with him.

"And what if it's a trap?"

"I'll have to risk that." He headed out the door, and shut it behind him.

Tintin headed across the street, looking around for any potential attackers. No one. He tried the doorknob, and found it unlocked. He carefully stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.

"Glad you could make it," Walters stated, coming into the light.

"Where's Snowy?" Tintin asked.

"You like getting right to the point, don't ya?"

"I came alone, now where is he?"

"He's safe. He's with my buddy Dunham."

"I want to see him," Tintin said, glaring the whole time.

"I'm sure you do, and you will. But only if you agree with our conditions first."

"Well, I'll have to hear them first." Walters smirked unpleasantly, and nodded.

"You have to stop sticking your reporter nose where it doesn't belong, kid," Walters began. "No one likes a nosey parker. And if you don't stop that, we'll be forced to-"

"Get rid of me for good," Tintin finished his sentence. "Yeah, I know. That's all your type wants to do."

"Understandable," Walters said. "Which will it be?"

"For you information, Walters, I happen to be doing my job, and won't this make a wonderful story when I get back home?"

"I'm sure it would," Walters agreed. "Though you won't be going back home. I can see the headline now. 'Reporter, Tintin's career ends tragically trying to save dog!' Won't the readers just love that?"

"Probably not, if it ever reaches their newspapers," Tintin said. "Now, if you'll just let me see my dog-"

"You irritating, little fool!" Walters thundered. "You never give up, do you?" Tintin frowned as Walters advanced towards him. He tried to punch him, but Tintin ducked, and moved away, causing Walters to punch the wall. He let out a scream of pain, holding his throbbing hand.

"You knew I was coming all along?" Tintin asked.

"Yeah," Walters said. "We thought you'd be stubborn enough to try and rescue your precious dog. I didn't except the mutt to still be alive!"

"So when you found out, you kidnapped him in hopes I would take the bait."

"Yeah," Walters nodded.

"That's all I needed to know." He pulled a long rope out of his pocket and proceeded to tie Walters up.

"Now you won't be going anywhere while I look for Snowy." And he headed up the rickety stairs.

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