“Lay the matter before the police authorities. Most likely this Fairchild is a swindler, and they may know something about him. I know of nothing else to advise.”
“Thank you. I believe I will follow your advice. Good-morning.”
“Good-morning, sir.”
Squire Turner decided in reality to follow his recommendation. Nothing was better adapted to clear him personally of any suspicions of having had a hand in Harry’s abduction, in the improbable contingency of such suspicion being aroused. Besides this, he was founding a claim to Mrs. Raymond’s gratitude, which might lead her hereafter to regard his suit with favor, in case he should find it politic to seek her in marriage. He accordingly called at the police head-quarters, and laid the case before the authorities, taking care, however, not to be explicit, as he had no wish to have Fairchild actually arrested.
He also called at the office of a morning paper, and, obtaining copies for the last three or four days, read, with satisfaction, the record of the Sea Eagle’s sailing.
“Now,” he thought to himself, “the field is clear, and I can carry out my plans without interruption.”