“I guess he isn’t home,” remarked Tom, as they saw no light in the place.

“Knock and see,” suggested Phil.

A tap on the door brought no response. Tom peered a bit closer.

“The place isn’t closed,” he exclaimed. He pushed open the door. Someone struck a match. Then came an exclamation of surprise from all.

For there was evidence that Mendez had hastily fled. The room was in confusion, things being scattered about, and a look into the store showed that everything he had had for sale had been removed. Mendez was missing, as was the pawnbroker and the jewelry.


[CHAPTER XXIV]
BACK AT RANDALL

“This is the limit!”

“Where could he have gone?”