Joe had knocked the ashes from his pipe and locked the treasure up in a closet in the larger front room, where his clothes were hanging.
The artful villain was wont to change his garments when he entered here, in order that he might not go home saturated with tobacco smoke.
Eric saw the whole thing plainly.
He felt in exuberant spirits.
So far as Joe was concerned, the whole business had turned out delightfully.
Just then the detective’s mind did not turn in any other direction.
He forgot all about the other side of the case, and seemed to consider the matter settled.
Peace would again come upon the disturbed family relations of his friend Joe, and all be as lovely as of yore.
Of course Lillian would be only too glad to close up the matter by forgiving her husband.
His sin was not a grievous one, and so great would be her relief at finding him faithful and true that she would gladly forget it all.