"I can't remember, exactly—I've been so busy. But I am certain I put it there two days ago. I ought to have put it in the safe," continued Mr. Westmore.
The two hunted around the store, but could find no trace of the missing box. The desk upon which it had rested was but a few feet from an open window, and outside was a narrow alleyway running to a back street.
"Somebody must have come into the alleyway and taken it," said Joe. "You didn't see anybody?"
"Not a soul. I sent Harry out there yesterday to pick up the rubbish."
"Harry?" Joe mused for a moment. "Did—did Harry know the box was there?" he asked.
"I suppose so. By the way, what about that hat he was going to get for Mr. Jadell?"
"He got it and took it over to Mr. Jadell's house."
"Did he pay for it?"
"I suppose so. He didn't want to say much about it." Joe's heart began to beat rapidly. "Oh, father, you don't think——" he began.
"I guess I'll ask Harry if he saw the box," returned Mr. Westmore, shortly. "You had better run home with the bag of flour. Your mother may be waiting for it."