“Do not build too high on this chance. You may be disappointed. It is worth investigating, though.”
“Yes, yes; it shall be, thoroughly. I must see him this very day—this very hour. But the suspicions you speak of. What are they?”
Mr. Fitler proceeded to give him an outline of the robberies in Mr. Leonard’s store, and Will’s connection with them.
“But do you think that my boy—I must call him my boy—do you think he had anything to do with them? I cannot believe it. He is too straightforward and noble.”
“I believe he is perfectly innocent, and for the very reasons you give. It don’t do, though, for a detective to rest under a belief. We find sometimes the most honest appearance to cover roguery. I make it a rule to follow every trail, no matter how unpromising it seems.”
“You have not much faith in human nature, then?”
“Not an over stock. My experience has not been very much calculated to make me trust people.”
“I trust Will, then. I wish I could see him this minute.”
His wish was granted. At that minute Will was announced.
He came in with his usual easy, indifferent air, nodded to Mr. Fitler, with a look of surprise at seeing him there, and shook hands with Mr. Somers.