Making Plans
Robert had arrived in New York a week earlier. He had begun by asking 
discreet questions of Evelyn's former landlord. There was no need to foment
opposition in the very beginning. The landlord was recondite, and all Robert
had been able to glean from the cryptic replies was that Evelyn had moved
to a residence that catered to single women. Robert was in a hapless situation;
in this immense city his quarry could be hiding in one of dozens of such places.
This would obviate the possibility of his dashing from one place to another in
an impetuous manner. His search, which it had to be concluded with celerity, 
could not be carried out in such slovenly fashion. He required a succinct
and meticulous plan.


on the dot--exactly on time
Despite his having taken forty winks, he got to his 
appointment on the dot.