“It is, indeed, wonderful!” said Mr. Carter, sharing the boy's excitement. “You are confident, are you?”
“Oh, sir, I couldn't be mistaken about that.”
Just then Mrs. Brent turned to a gentleman at her side and spoke. It was Mr. Granville.
“Who is that gentleman?” said Mr. Carter reflectively. “Do you think Mrs. Brent is married again?”
“I don't know what to think!” said Philip, bewildered.
“I will tell you what to do. You cannot allow these people to elude you. Go to the hotel, ask a direction to the nearest detective office, have a man detailed to come here directly, and let him find, if necessary, where your step-mother and her son are living.”
Philip did so, and it was the close of the second act before he returned. With him was a small, quiet gentleman, of unpretending appearance, but skilled as a detective.
“Now,” continued Mr. Carter, “you may venture at any time to go forward and speak to your friends—if they can be called such.”
“I don't think they can, sir. I won't go till the last intermission.”
Phil was forestalled, however. At the close of the fourth act Jonas happened to look back, and his glance fell upon Philip.