"You had previously sent no order to Hafferman for the stones?"
"Surely not."
"Yet a written order was received by him, or he would not have delivered the goods."
"In which case, then, it was a forgery."
"No doubt of it," Nick readily admitted. "Chick."
"Yes, Nick."
"Take a carriage and go at once and interview Hafferman. See what you can learn from him. Get the written order received by him, and bring it here. Have a look at young Boyden, and see what you make of him. Also get the written signature of Mr. Hafferman, and that of each person employed in his store. Understand?"
"Sure thing!" nodded Chick, already seeing clearly the line Nick's investigation was taking, though neither Venner nor his partner yet perceived it. "I will return as quickly as possible."
"You will find me here," nodded Nick. "Wait a moment!"
"Well?"