CHAPTER XXVI
TWO IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES
Charles Waldo was the name of the hermit’s cousin, who was suspected of kidnapping the boy who stood between him and the property. It was to find this very man that Robert was sent out by Gilbert Huet.
Robert felt that he was fortunate in so soon running across this man and decided that as long as Mr. Waldo remained in the hotel it was his policy to remain also.
He did not see how he was to find out anything about the missing boy, but resolved to watch and wait in the hope of obtaining a clew. He did not wish to attract Mr. Waldo’s suspicions, but took care to keep him in view.
The next morning he observed Mr. Waldo in the reading room at the rear of the hotel talking with another person—rather a pretentious-looking man, with black whiskers and a jaunty air.
At the news stand he bought a copy of a morning paper and took a seat sufficiently near to hear what was said.
Though Waldo and his companion spoke in low tones, neither was apprehensive of being heard, as it was hardly to be presumed that any one within hearing distance would feel an interest in what they had to say.
“As I was saying”—this was the first sentence which Robert heard from Mr. Waldo—“it is entirely uncertain when I shall derive any advantage from my cousin’s estate. During his life he holds it.”
“How is his health?”