"That's the man!"
"He's the one!"
"The very fellow!"
Half a dozen voices interrupted at once.
Then Mrs. Gray explained the rather serious adventure of the night before. She ended by saying:
"I never, in my heart of hearts, really believed he was you, Tom, dear."
"The scoundrel!" exclaimed the young man. "Can't we set the police on him?"
"The police in Oakdale are slow, Tom," replied his aunt. "Slow from lack of occupation. Robbers do not flock here in great numbers."
"At least, I'll telegraph to Arthur Butler," said Tom, "and warn him. They may catch him from that end."
The telegram was accordingly sent. Likewise the police were notified, but Richards, who turned out to be a well-known English crook, made good his escape and was heard from no more.