“No, but I will,” was the energetic answer.
“We have been able, so far, to get no trace of the custom-house robbers. The only description to be had of them might apply to fifty persons we meet every day. They are not professionals; that I am sure of. These are outside hands, but very keen ones.”
“Was presented by the same person,” replied the officer. “The bank teller has no recollection of the party, but the handwriting in the check and in the warehouse entry are the same.”
“It is strange--very strange,” said Mr. Leonard, abstractedly, as he selected several invoices from a pile of them he had taken from his safe.
“I am going to try the suggestion you just made,” he said, proceeding to the door.
“Harry!” he called, into the counting-room.
One of the clerks responded, coming into the room.
“I wish you to take these invoices,” said the merchant, “and compare them with the sales of these special goods. They are the first we have had of these styles, and the salesbook should show whether they have all been disposed of or not.”
“I will,” said Harry, leaving the office. His tone expressed surprise at this request.
“We will soon have that matter tested,” said Mr. Leonard. “Those are the only goods I can think of which we have lately commenced to sell.”
They were interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Wilson.
“Excuse me,” he said, coolly. “I did not know you were engaged. I have just been down to see Claxton.”
“That will rest,” said Mr. Leonard. “Sit down. We were talking over the mysterious robbery.”
“Is there any clew yet?” he asked, earnestly.
“Not a shadow,” said Mr. Fitler. “There is only this much very likely; that the thief is in this store.”
“Can that be possible?” said Wilson, with perfect coolness. “And all here have been so fully trusted. I fancy my suspicion of that boy will prove a just one, in the end.”
“I have not even let you escape in my investigations,” said the officer, addressing Mr. Wilson.
“What do you mean?” asked the latter, hastily, with a slight tinge of color.
“I mean simply to turn every stone that lies in my way and see what is under it,” said the officer, fixing his eyes upon him. “You were one of the parties having access to that safe, and control of the stolen warehouse order.”