The merchant warmly shook Jack’s hand. “I’m glad to meet you, my boy,” he said. “After that, I can readily believe what Boyle says.
“Yes, I am all ready. This way, please,” he requested.
Following the speaker, Jack and the detective found themselves in a large shipping-room. As they entered, a workman with a pot and ink-brush in his hand was surveying lettering he had just completed on a good-sized packing-case.
“Here are the ‘goods,’ Judson,” announced the merchant.
“All ready, sir,” the workman responded, eyeing Jack and the detective curiously.
“Did you substitute boards with knot-holes?” Mr. Brooke asked.
“Yes, sir. And this is the door,” said the man, indicating two wide boards at one end. “I used both wooden buttons and screw-hooks on the inside, as you suggested.”
“Good.”
The detective examined the box. “You’ve made a good job of it,” he commented.
“I suppose this is the boy’s?” he added, turning to a smaller box, on which also were the words: “SILK—VALUABLE!”