Part 9 (1/2)
”Then you really have made a discovery?”
”That is to be learned; I will be able to tell you later on. First learn if you can concerning the date when the strange man visited you.”
Mr. Townsend went to a desk, drew forth a little leather-bound book, turned over its pages, and finally, with a look expressive of wonder and surprise, said:
”Yes, the deposit was made with me on the date October 19, 18--.”
”There is no mistake?”
”There certainly is no mistake; but let me see, I do not remember having mentioned that date to you.”
”No, sir, you did not.”
”Then how did you learn? You certainly must have discovered something?”
The detective suddenly started and bent forward in a listening att.i.tude.
”What is the matter, sir?” demanded Mr. Townsend.
”You have not kept faith with me, I fear,” said Jack, in a tone of well-a.s.sumed sternness.
”I have not?”
”So it would appear.”
”What do you mean?”
”There is some one in the adjoining room.”
”Not to my knowledge.”
”I heard a footstep.”
”You only imagine so; no one would dare enter that room without my permission.”
”You are sure?”
”I am.”
”Just ask anyone to step forth who may be in that room.”
Mr. Townsend had become very nervous; the detective's manner was so strange and peculiar.
”What do you mean, sir? I tell you there is no one in that room.”
”I tell you, sir, I heard a footstep in that room.”
”You only imagine so.”
”I know I did.”