“I think he will have reason. I saw a man following you rather closely, I presume he took the money.”
“Oh, won’t you come back to the office with me and tell my cousin that? I am afraid he will discharge me.”
“Yes, I will go with you.”
So it happened that Felix and Mr. Sharpleigh went together into the office where Mullins was eagerly waiting for the return of his emissary.
“What’s the matter, Felix?” he said, as the boy entered. “Have you brought the money?”
“Oh, Cousin David, I am so sorry.”
“So sorry? For what?”
“I—I have lost the money. A pickpocket took it while I was looking in at a window. This gentleman was near and he saw a suspicious-looking man next to me.”
“This is a strange story, Felix. We must notify the police at once. Did you see anyone likely to commit the theft, sir?”
This was, of course, addressed to Mr. Sharpleigh.