The detective was perplexed beyond measure.
CHAPTER IV.
PLAYING A DEEP GAME—AN AMENDED NARRATIVE—IN THE OPERA HOUSE—A RECOGNITION—GETTING DOWN TO FACTS BY ACCIDENT—THE STORY OF AN EXPECTANT HEIR—GAINING A CLEARER LIGHT.
Jack remained nearly two hours with the young baron, and as will be learned, made a very favorable impression upon him—indeed, it was agreed that they were to meet the following evening and go to the opera together. The detective was approaching his point by easy stages.
When the detective finally bade the young baron good-night he walked off toward his own lodgings lost in deep thought. He had started out with one theory, but following his meeting with the young baron other suspicions penetrated his mind, and he muttered:
"There is something here I cannot explain, but I will get at the bottom of it before I get through; and I will here say that the present aspect of the affair presents a more hopeful view of the probabilities."
On the day following our hero called upon Mrs. Speir, and that lady demanded in eager tones:
"Do you bring me news of my daughter?"
"No direct news, madam, but I desire to question you very particularly. You gave me to understand that August Wagner was a pseudo baron?"
"Yes."