CHAPTER XXXI.
CLOSING IN.
From the moment Mr. Dockett, the detective, discovered our hero things took a clearer and more promising aspect.
While Leicester and Stumpy were left at Penruddie Mr. Dockett repaired to London and set about his task with a zeal and cunning highly commendable.
In the first place he appeared one morning in the city, dressed after the fashion of a simple and wealthy country squire.
He made his way to the offices of one of the companies over which Howard Murpoint was director, and inquired for that gentleman.
The clerk told him that Mr. Murpoint was not in the city at that early hour, and would probably not arrive until one o'clock.
Mr. Dockett waited patiently, and at last the great man arrived.
Mr. Dockett was shown into the great man's parlor and announced his business.