Our hero entered the store just as the private office door closed behind Denman.
A gentleman came forward and demanded the seeming countryman's business, and the detective asked to see one of the members of the firm, calling him by name, leaving learned the same from the sign over the door.
"He is busy," was the answer.
That was just the answer the detective had expected, and it was in anticipation of such an answer that he boldly walked in and ventured the inquiry.
"When will he be at leisure?"
"It is hard to tell."
The clerk knew Denman and suspected that it was private and important business that had brought the master of the "Nancy" to New York.
"I wish to see him particularly."
"Cam I not attend to the business for Mr. M——?"
"No sir; I must see Mr. M—— personally."