"A tall man with a blue coat and slouched hat," repeated the officer. "I think I saw him turn into Wall Street half an hour ago. Was his nose red?"
"Yes," said Rufus.
"He hasn't come back this way, or I should have seen him. He must have gone the other way, or else dodged into some side street or door-way. I'll go back with you."
The two went back together, but it was too late. Martin was by this time at some distance, hurrying towards Fulton Ferry.
Rufus felt that the matter was too serious for him to manage alone, and with reluctant step went back to the office to communicate his loss. A formidable task was before him, and he tried to prepare himself for it. It would naturally be inferred that he had been careless, if not dishonest, and he knew that his formerly having been a street boy would weigh against him. But, whatever might be the consequences, he knew that it was his duty to report the loss instantly.
CHAPTER XVI.
MR. VANDERPOOL.
Rufus entered the office as Mr. Turner was about to leave it.
"You were rather long," he said. "Were you detained?"