"Well, we want to make an investigation—on the quiet, if possible," explained Louise. "We'd like to find out where and how he's getting hold of a certain kind of very fine lace-work. He's practically smashed Linda's father's business, and we're trying to discover how he did it."
"From his reputation, I don't believe Carwein goes in for underhand dealing like that. If he is, he probably has had one put over on him. He sells only the most expensive things, and his firm has always had a good name. He'd probably tell you right out where he buys the goods."
"But how could we see him?" asked Linda. "Girls can't walk right into an office and demand to see the president!"
Mr. Bancroft smiled.
"It's been done," he said. "But I don't think it's necessary. I believe you can get the information you want from his secretary. It isn't likely he'd have anything to hide."
Just as simple as that! The girls could hardly believe it was possible, yet next morning, when they put the advice into effect, they found it good.
The secretary informed them that the goods were _not_ imported, that they were made right here in New York state. An agent by the name of Hofstatter had come into the firm's offices and sold them, assuring Mr. Carwein that they were made by a group of French women in the extreme northern part, near the town of Plattsburg. He said he was a traveling man, and that he would return in three months' time for more orders.
When Louise had repeated this conversation to Linda, they sat looking at each other in despair.
"I'm afraid our trip's been in vain," moaned Louise. "Somebody is imitating the work— somebody right here in New York. Of course they can afford to sell it cheaper than your father—with no tax to pay!"
Linda's eyes narrowed. She was not convinced.