“She was in the city yesterday.”
“Now we are coming to it,” said Mr. Fitler, straightening himself up. “Who is there in the city that she would be likely to wish to screen in such a case? What bosom friend among the ladies, or what particular friend among the gentlemen?”
“Miss Arlington is engaged to be married. The gentleman is in business in the city. But he is above suspicion.”
“What a very poor detective you would make,” said Mr. Fitler, impatiently. “It is the theory of our office, sir, that nobody is above suspicion. This man may be as innocent as she is. What we want is to trace where he got the silk. Who is he?”
“His name is John Elkton. He holds a position as principal salesman in the store of White & Bradley.”
“What time yesterday was Miss Arlington in the city?”
“In the afternoon. Probably from two to five.”
“You must find out more definitely. I will try and learn at what hours yesterday Mr. Elkton was out of the store. We need to establish the fact of an interview.”
“I don’t think there is much doubt of that.”
“I want to have no doubt of it. This matter must be traced from Miss Arlington to somebody that we can handle without gloves.”