“It was, sir. I never heard of a stranger business. Nothing of the kind has ever happened here before.”
“Never been found out here before would be more correct,” said Mr. Leonard.
“Why, sir, do you think such things have been going on previously?” asked Mr. Johnson, in greater astonishment.
“I do not know what to think,” replied the merchant. “May not the three pieces have been removed this morning? Perhaps a sale may have been made. I wish you would make full inquiry through the store.”
Mr. Johnson did so, and returned with the word that no one had touched them.
“Call Will here,” said Mr. Leonard, in quick tones. His nervous manner was quite gone.
He wrote hastily, folded and sealed the note.
“Take this to the Central Station,” he said to Will. “Ask for Mr. Fitler, and deliver it into his hands.”
“And if I don’t find him in?”
“Inquire where he is, and hunt him up. I wish him to have it as soon as possible.”