"No, sir."
Mr. Mann gazed at Richard severely.
"I thought you two were good friends," he said.
"I hardly know Norris," replied Richard. "He is certainly no friend of mine."
Richard felt that the present would have been a good time to tell what he knew about the shipping-clerk, but remembering his half promise to the latter he remained silent.
"You may go," said Mr. Mann, briefly; "but stop. Have you any keys belonging to this place in your possession?"
"Keys? No, sir."
"Oh, all right."
"But—what made you ask that?" began Richard, considerably perplexed.
"I wanted to know, that was all."