Without further ado Sam was dismissed, and Captain Putnam called
George Strong to him and showed the strange letter.
"Why not look among Pop's effects?" suggested the assistant. "He may have hidden the money and jewelry in his trunk."
"We will go up to his apartment," replied Captain Putnam, and a few minutes later the pair ascended to the attic room which the colored waiter had used for several terms. They found Pop just fixing up for a trip to Cedarville.
He nodded pleasantly, and then looked at both questioningly.
"Pop, I am afraid I have a very unpleasant duty to perform," began
Captain Putnam.
"Wot's dat, sah?" asked Aleck in surprise.
"You have heard of the robberies that have been committed?"
"'Deed I has, sah. But—but yo' don't go fo' to distrust me, do yo', cap'n?" went on the colored man anxiously.
"I would like to search your trunk and your clothing, Pop. If you are innocent you will not object."
"But, sah, I didn't steal nuffin, sah."