"I have not had time. I have only just returned from Europe. I have done nothing except visit Groveton."
"What led you to send for me? Pardon my curiosity, but I can't help asking."
"An interview with a protege of yours, Luke Larkin."
"You know that Luke was arrested on suspicion of being connected with the robbery, though there are those who pay me the compliment of thinking that I may have had something to do with it."
"I think you had as much to do with it as Luke Larkin," said Armstrong, deliberately.
"I had—just as much," said Reed, with a smile. "Luke is a good boy, Mr. Armstrong."
"I quite agree with you. If I had a son I should like him to resemble Luke."
"Give me your hand on that, Mr. Armstrong," said Roland Reed, impulsively. "Excuse my impetuosity, but I've taken a fancy to that boy."
"There, then, we are agreed. Now, Mr. Reed, I will tell you why I have taken the liberty of sending for you. From what Luke said, I judged that you were a sharp, shrewd man of the world, and might help me in this matter, which I confess puzzles me. You know the particulars, and therefore, without preamble, I am going to ask you whether you have any theory as regards this robbery. The box hasn't walked off without help. Now, who took it from the bank?"
"If I should tell you my suspicion you might laugh at me."