Part 29 (1/2)

”Use all dispatch,” he said.

”I will,” answered our hero, promptly.

As he left the inner office, the clerk outside regarded him curiously.

He was surprised at the long interview accorded him, and wondered what could be his errand.

As Harry descended the stairs, he jostled a man who was ascending, and naturally was led to look at him. Harry came near dropping with sheer surprise. The man he recognized at once as Vernon, one of the men whom he had seen in the wood.

CHAPTER XXII

BROUGHT TO BAY

Harry felt that matters were getting exciting, and a crisis seemed imminent.

”I will hurry as fast as I can,” he said. ”I suppose he has come about the tin box, too. I hope he will stay till I get back.”

Vernon, little dreaming that he was recognized by the office boy--as he took him to be--who had just jostled against him, kept on his way upstairs. His appearance was that of a well-dressed man, not much over thirty, who might be filling a responsible business position in the city. When, therefore, he said to the clerk, ”Is Mr. Wheeler in?” he received a more polite reply than had been accorded to Harry fifteen minutes before.

”Mr. Wheeler?” he asked.

”Yes,” said the lawyer, with his usual scrutinizing look.

”I should like to speak to you in private, sir.”

”Another claimant for the reward,” thought the lawyer.

”Very well,” he said. ”Have the kindness to close the door.”

Vernon did so.

”Now,” said the lawyer, abruptly, desiring to get through with his interview before Harry's return from his mission.

”You advertised for the recovery of a tin box of valuables?” said Vernon.

”Yes.”

”I may be able to a.s.sist you in the matter,” said Vernon.

”Indeed! Then you know where it is?” said the lawyer, eying him keenly.

”I didn't say that, did I?” asked Vernon, smiling craftily.

”No; but you probably know--that is, if your information is of any value.”

”That isn't at all necessary,” said Vernon, coolly. ”I may say as much as this, however that I am employed by those who do know the whereabouts of the box.”

”Then there was more than one connected with the robbery?”