Nobody had seen the thieves or knew anything about them.
"It's no use," he thought, and then entered a sixth establishment, kept by an old man.
"Yes, I saw them," said the old man. "They were here early this morning, and wanted to sell me the things dog-cheap. But I was suspicious of them, so I didn't buy."
"Do you know where they went next?"
"One of them said something about taking the elevated train."
"You didn't watch them?"
"No; I was going to, but a customer took my time."
The old man described both Darnley and Snocks, and also some of the goods offered, so there could not possibly be any mistake.
"I hate thieves," he concluded. "I hope you catch them."