CHAPTER XXIV.
MR. AMOS JARGE.
Two days previous to the mysterious robbery at the Lydecker home a slim, black-eyed stranger, alighting from the local train at Hudson, inquired of the cabman who drove him up to the business section the location of a certain real-estate firm.
As the result of his visit there the stranger engaged an office in the most prominent business building in the town, and upon the glass door, so that all who passed might read, was lettered:
Amos Jarge.
Private Detective Agency.
On the Monday following the robbery the portly form of Mr. Lydecker might have been seen entering the elevator of the same building. And directly behind him, also entering the elevator, came hurrying another man. Apparently preoccupied, this latter stepped upon Mr. Lydecker’s heels. Instantly he drew back with profuse apologies.
“A thousand pardons, sir! I—I——” He broke off abruptly and held out his hand. “Why, Mr. Lydecker! This is, indeed, a surprise.”
Mr. Lydecker’s brow cleared and he accepted the hand.
“Bless my soul! What are you doing in Hudson, Mr. Jarge?”
Jarge laughed. “I had quite forgotten that you lived in this city,” he declared. “Let me see, the last time we met was——”
“On the Fall River boat,” interrupted Mr. Lydecker. “I can never forget that incident! You returned my daughter’s jewels to me; don’t you remember?”