Chapter XXV.
Finding The Clew.
Tim Bolton looked at Florence in undisguised astonishment.
“Dodger!” he repeated. “How should I know? I supposed that you had lured him away from me.”
“He didn’t like the business you were in. He preferred to make a living in some other way.”
“Then why do you ask me where he is?”
“Because he did not come home last night. Shure he rooms at my house,” put in Mrs. O’Keefe, “and he hasn’t showed up since——”
“And you thought I might have got hold of him?” said Bolton, inquiringly.
“Then you are mistaken. I haven’t seen the boy for weeks.”
Tim Bolton spoke so straightforwardly that there was no chance to doubt his word.
“When he was living with you, Mr. Bolton,” continued Florence, “did he ever stay away like this?”