“You didn’t appear too interested?” Mr. Parker inquired.
“No, I gave him a price just a little above the market.”
“How did it strike him?”
“He didn’t have much to say, but I could tell he was interested.”
“Did he offer you any brass?”
“No, he hinted he might be able to get me a considerable quantity of it later on.”
“Feeling you out.”
“Yes, I figure he’ll be back. That’s why I came here for instructions. If he shows up with the brass, shall I have him arrested?”
Mr. Parker waited for the factory owner to answer the question.
“Make a record of every transaction,” Mr. Gandiss said. “Encourage the man to talk, and he may reveal the names of others mixed up in the thefts. But make no arrests until we have more information.”