Nick closed the tube and panel, then took the bundle up to Mr. Mantell’s private office, where he found both father and son.
“By gracious, Nick, there has been another theft,” Frank Mantell cried, when the detective entered. “A pair of costly lace curtains is missing from that department.”
Nick did not care for any particulars. He sat down in one of the large leather chairs and placed the bundle on the floor behind it.
“That’s too bad, Mantell,” he remarked. “I would like to question one of your managers. Send for Mr. Lombard, since we happened to notice him a few minutes ago.”
Frank Mantell looked surprised, but hastened to obey.
Lombard entered in about five minutes, apparently apprehending nothing.
Nick had removed his disguise and thrust it into his pocket.
“Sit down, Mr. Lombard,” said he, without waiting to be introduced. “I am told there has just been another mysterious theft in this store.”
“Yes, so I have heard,” was the quick reply. “I was just going to look into the matter.”
“Don’t you think it would be more profitable to look into that pneumatic tube that leads out of the receiving room?” Nick inquired.