Ike had his own suspicions, but he did not project them. He was going very slow, as he hoped to draw the old man on and force him to a very startling confession. He told the story of Sara Sidney—told it in a straightforward, simple manner. The old man listened attentively and betrayed considerable emotion, and he muttered:
"How unfortunate I have been robbed! How much I might have done for this daughter of my old friend! But alas! I am a poor man now—yes, a poor man."
"All your wealth can be recovered."
"Oh, they all say that."
"Who says so?"
"The detectives who have been here; but they will never recover one dollar. I will never get my property back."
"That is what your niece said," projected Ike suddenly.
The old man almost screamed as he said:
"My niece! What do you mean?"
"I will speak plainly. I cannot be deceived—this man Sidney was more to you than a friend. I recovered the stolen property of Sara Sidney; I will recover your property."