On the day following the incidents recorded Ike was out bright and early. He secured a morning paper and the whole thing was out. Burlein was a thief. An examination of the firm’s books had revealed the fact that he had speculated on private account with the firm’s money. He had sought to hide his losses by falsification of the books and had committed downright forgery.
Great sympathy was expressed for his victim, Fellman, and offers of aid and indulgence on the part of creditors were made on every side.
Ike read the account with great eagerness, and when he had digested the account he began to revolve matters in his mind, and he said:
“The first thing I will do is see the young lady.”
It had been stated in the paper that Burlein had been engaged to marry a young heiress, and one of the most beautiful ladies in New York. It was also hinted that her father was a heavy loser and a victim of the young man’s forgeries.
Ike had fifty dollars. He went to work and provided himself with the necessary articles for a perfect disguise. He got himself up as a respectable old lady. His genius in the way of disguise was simply immense. He went around to the house where he knew the young lady resided. He had little difficulty in learning her father’s name. It was common enough—simply Alexander Smith.
Ike went up the stoop of the house, rang the bell and stated that he desired to see Miss Smith.
The maid who attended on the door retired, but in a few moments returned and stated that Miss Smith was ill and could not see any one that day.
Our hero had prepared himself, and he handed the girl a note, telling her to deliver it. The note read as follows:
“It’s all false. I am a friend of Burlein. I can explain much to you. I must see you.