"You are ambitious, Frank. I heartily wish you success. There's nothing like keeping a good heart."
"Oh yes, success is not doubtful. I'll do battle with all the obstructions in my course. Good afternoon, sir."
William, curious and anxious, could make nothing of his books that night at home. At length he threw up, put on the notable cloak, and went down to the manufactory. He found Mr. Ashley there; and the counting-house soon received an addition to its company in the person of Sergeant Delves. He had come in search of William. Not being aware that William was allowed the privilege of spending his evenings at home, he had supposed the manufactory was the place to find him in.
"I want you down at White's," said the sergeant. "Put on your cloak, will you be so good, Mr. Halliburton, and come with me?"
"Do you suspect me?" was William's answer.
"No, I don't," returned the sergeant. "I told you before, to-day, that I did not. The fact is"—dropping his voice to a mysterious whisper—"I want to do a little bit of private inquiry on my own account. I have a clue to the party: and I should like to work it out."
"If you have a sufficient clue, the party had better be arrested at once," observed Mr. Ashley.
"Ah, but it's not sufficient for that," nodded the sergeant. "No, Mr. Ashley, sir; my strong advice to you is, keep quiet a bit."
They started for the butcher's, William wearing his cloak and cap, and Mr. Ashley accompanying them. Mr. Ashley possessed his own curiosity upon various points; perhaps his own doubts.
"It is strange who this man can be who walks at the back of your house," observed Mr. Ashley to William, as they went along. "What can be his motive for walking there, dressed like you?"