"Good-morning," responded the merchant, coldly. "You have been a long time returning from your errand!"
"That's true, sir; but I would have come sooner if I could."
Mr. Fitch looked up in surprise.
"Do you mean to say that you couldn't come?" demanded he.
"Yes, sir."
"What prevented you?"
"I was in close confinement."
"What! were you arrested?" and again the merchant's face was overspread by doubt and suspicion.
"No, sir; I hope I shall never fall into the hands of the police."
"How then could you be in confinement? This is a riddle."