"I am hardly prepared to express an opinion on the scanty information which Bert has been able to give me. If you are willing to tell me the story in detail, I will tell you what I think of the chances."
Mrs. Codman told the story, mentioning, also, the name of Peter Manson, and the language which he had used.
"I sometimes see this man," said the merchant, "and know him by reputation. He is a miser."
"He pretends to be very poor."
"All pretence. I do not see what object he could have had in spiriting your son away."
Further conversation followed, but, as might be expected, no satisfactory result was reached. Mrs. Codman, however, felt relieved and more hopeful in the knowledge that her employer knew of her loss, and would do what he could to discover Charlie.
It was only a week later that he came into the school-room with a smile upon his face.
"Father, you bring good news; isn't it so?" said Bert.
"I hope so."