"Have you?" he asked eagerly.
"Yes, and I have sufficient evidence, I think, to warrant you in making an arrest."
"Is it possible?"
"Yes, there is no doubt of it."
Fred now took the knife from his pocket and passed it to his former employer.
The merchant recognized it instantly by its peculiar handle. He said, in answer to Fred's questions, that the knife had not been sold, and that it must have been taken from his show case the night of the fire. He remembered showing it that evening to a customer, and distinctly recollected putting it back into the show case.
This, then, constituted a strong piece of evidence to show that the store was robbed.
Fred then explained how the knife came into his possession.
"You have worked up the case skilfully," said Mr. Rexford.
"I hope I have made no mistakes," answered Fred.