As they entered Rodney’s room Mr. Redwood looked about him inquisitively. One article at once fixed his attention. It was a parcel wrapped in brown paper lying on the bed.
“This is the parcel, I think,” he said. “If you will allow me I will open it, to make sure.”
Mrs. McCarty looked undecided, but as she said nothing in opposition Mr. Redwood unfastened the strings and unrolled the bundle. His eyes lighted up with satisfaction as he disclosed the contents—a lady’s cloak.
Mrs. McCarty looked surprised.
“Why, it’s a lady’s cloak,” she said, “and a very handsome one. What would Mr. Ropes want of such a thing as that?”
“Perhaps he intended to make you a present of it.”
“No, he can’t afford to make such present.”
“The explanation is simple. It belongs to the store. Perhaps Mr. Ropes left it here inadvertently.”
“But he hasn’t been here since morning.”
“He has a pass key to the front door?”