Dr. Spidderkins nodded, and thus the matter was arranged. Sandow turned over to the lawyer certain valuable papers, bonds and mortgages which he had managed to secure from the doctor, chiefly through that old gentleman’s forgetfulness about business details. The scheming couple had also secured considerable cash, by the simple process of making the doctor make out checks twice for the same bill. The second checks they kept for themselves.
“There will be no prosecution, in case you leave Boston and never return,” said Mr. Boise, when the details had been completed, and most of Dr. Spidderkins’ stolen fortune had been restored to him. “Do you agree to that?”
“We have to, I suppose,” remarked Sandow.
He and his wife left the Parker House, taking their baggage with them. The police officer escorted them to the depot—to see that they took the train.
“Now that this disagreeable business is over, I think I can return to my home and my books,” remarked Dr. Spidderkins. “I suppose you will deal with Mr. Cutler?”
“I do not think there will be a chance,” replied Mr. Boise. “I fancy he is far enough away from here by this time.”
After events proved that he was, for he sailed for England with his ill-gotten gains, which, however, were much smaller than they would have been, had not Tom heard that mysterious message going over the wire, and acted as he did. Mr. Leeth also disappeared, but he had secured only a small sum.
“I can not tell you how much I am indebted to you, for what you have done for me, Mr. Boise,” went on the doctor. “If it had not been for you I would be a poor man to-day, and I could never buy any more choice books.”
“Don’t thank me; thank Tom. He is the hero on this occasion,” replied the lawyer, looking at the telephone boy. “He engineered all this, and, by revealing to me the duplicity of my partner, enabled me to act in time to save your wealth. Had it not been for Tom we never could have succeeded.”
“That’s so,” agreed the doctor heartily. “I had nearly forgotten that. Oh, what shall I do about my treacherous memory? But I’ll not forget you, Tom. I am a little tired over this excitement, but I will call on you this evening, and properly express my appreciation. Where do you live?”