Two days later Chester received a letter requesting him to call at once on a well-known detective, give him all the available information and request him to keep careful watch of Mr. Mullins and his operations, and interfere if any steps were taken prejudicial to Mr. Fairchild’s interests.
Chester called on the detective and was fortunate enough to find him in. He expected to see a large man of impressive manners and imposing presence, and was rather disappointed when he found a small personage under the average height, exceedingly plain and unpretentious, who might easily have been taken for an humble clerk on a salary of ten or twelve dollars a week.
Mr. Sharpleigh listened attentively to Chester’s communication, and then proceeded to ask questions.
“Do you know anything of Mr. Mullins outside of the office?” he asked.
“A little, sir.”
“Has he any bad habits? Is he extravagant? Does he drink?”
“I have never seen any evidence that he drank,” answered Chester. “Perhaps he may drink a glass of wine or beer occasionally.”
“I don’t mean that. He is not what may be called an intemperate man?”
“No, sir.”
“Any other objectionable habits?”