“Of course I do. It is the very handwriting of the scrap we found in the cellar signed Jesse Powers. The same initials, J. P. This is most important. Who is Jesse Powers?”
“He is the man who gave Mr. Elkton the scrap of silk which has consigned him to a prison cell,” said Miss Arlington, excitedly. “He little dreamed that it would fall into my hands, and under the eyes of the man whom they had robbed. So it is that villains fall when most they seem secure.”
“But how have you learned this?” cried Mr. Leonard. “Through Mr. Elkton?”
“No. He was too loyal to his friend to reveal it. He owed this man a debt of gratitude, and was willing to repay it by suffering in his stead, rather than injure one who had saved his life. It was I who learned the secret, and who obtained from Powers a letter addressed to his imprisoned friend. That letter you now hold.”
“Where can this man be found?”
“In Brown and Felger’s store, next door to you.”
“This is so. I know him,” cried Mr. Leonard. “Shall we arrest him?”
“We will do nothing precipitately,” said the officer. “We may be enabled after to-night’s work, to arrest the whole gang. If you will excuse me I will take Will outside for awhile. I wish to talk this matter over with him.”
“Certainly,” said Mr. Leonard.
The guardian and ward were left together.