"Not even the slightest detail," added one of the detectives. "What might seem trivial to you may be of the utmost importance to us."
Desirous of getting through the ordeal as soon as possible, young Rozier related all that had occurred from the moment he had reached the crowd about the tent till he had been given his dismissal, even to the words he hurled at the canvas when he heard the gloating laugh.
With many wise nods of their heads and frequent ejaculations, the man-hunters listened to the narrative.
"You're quite right, my boy, only wait," exclaimed their leader as the story was concluded. "They were too smart for you, but they may not get off so easily when we tackle them." Then turning to the bank president he went on:
"You did well, Mr. Rozier, in sending for us. The way this Howard evaded all your son's questions proves that he is a slick article, one that isn't easily to be trapped. However, I think we will succeed in landing him and his two confederates."
Disgusted at the conceit of the man, the bank president waited a few moments to see if the sleuth would suggest any line of action and finding that he did not, snapped:
"That remains to be seen. I've found, in my experience in the world, that it's best to act first and talk afterward.
"What do you propose to do?"
Disconcerted by the putting into words of the very question that was puzzling him, the detective replied:
"Why, go 'round to see them."