There came a look of sudden suspicion to the girl's eyes and she said:
"I have no money. I do not know what to do."
Ike, as our readers know, possessed wonderfully quick and observant eyes, and he could discern in a most remarkable manner.
"You need not bother about the money part of it. I know this lady well; she is a very reputable person, the widow of a man who was a great detective. She will be willing to wait for her pay until you recover your money and bonds."
"But I may never recover them."
"Yes, you will recover them; on that point you can make your mind easy. When I and my friend here set out to accomplish a thing we never fail, and you shall satisfy yourself that the lady will really become your friend before you take up your home with her."
Ike had organized a great scheme. He was satisfied in his own mind that the money had been stolen either by the landlady or one of her boarders. He had a way of bringing people to a betrayal that was all his own. He held some further talk with the girl, and then asked:
"What is your name?"
The girl hesitated.