"How long do you mean to wait? Is this woman with you?"
"Yes," answered Lyman, reluctantly, for he was not proud of his companion, whose appearance was hardly calculated to do him credit.
"Shure, my little bye has been shtole," she put in, "and he's in the store now wid the man that shtole him."
"Then you'd better go in and claim him instead of standing here and blocking up the sidewalk."
"I think I will follow your advice," said Lyman. "Will you be kind enough to stay here a minute, in case I need your help?"
"Very well; only be quick."
Lyman entered the store, and failing to see Jack and Mark, addressed one of the salesmen.
"Two boys were in here a short time since," he said; "one large one and one small one. Can you tell me where they are?"
It happened that the salesman addressed was the same one who had guided the boys to the back entrance. At least fifteen minutes had elapsed, and there would be no danger in telling the truth.
"They went away some time since," he answered.