"Warder Street, Lambeth," snuffled Alexander, and urged by the hand on his collar, went out of the office with the detective.
"We'll take a hansom," said Steel, and shortly was ensconced in one with the miserable Alexander.
As a rule a ride in a hansom would have been a joy to Master Benker, but he was too much afraid of the meeting with his mother to take any pleasure in the treat. However, he relied on the promise of the detective that he would sooth the maternal ire, and managed to reply fairly well to the questions Steel asked. These referred to Mr. Wilson.
"Who is he?" demanded the detective.
"Mother's lodger," replied Alexander; "he's been with her six months, and mother thought a deal of him. He was kind to me."
"Ah! Was he well off?"
"I don't know. He paid his rent regular, but he wore shabby clothes, and was always out. I only saw him at night when I came home from the office."
"Did he ask you many questions about the office?"
"Oh, yes. He said he wished me to get on—that I was a smart boy, and a credit to my mother."
"So you are," answered Steel genially. "I'm sure she'll give you a proof of her approval to-day. Now don't cry, boy." Steel shook Alexander, and then demanded suddenly, "You copy all the letters, do you not?"