“I wonder why he did it?” reflected Larry. “I have it! He heard us talking, he had seen me spying on him. He reasoned that the game was up, and by a colossal piece of bluff, he walked out of his room, right under my nose, and took most of the million dollars with him. He left this thousand-dollar bill to provide money for his escape. He’s got the million salted away, and he may skip out any minute, and get to it. Then—good-night!”
Larry thought rapidly. Certainly quick action was necessary. He put the false moustache back in the drawer, gave a hurried glance about the room, to make sure the clerk, on his return, would notice nothing awry, and then went downstairs. He found Mrs. Boland waiting for him.
“Well?” she asked anxiously.
“I think I had better say nothing,” answered Larry. “If you know nothing you will not worry.”
“Oh, but did you find anything? Is Mr. Witherby——?”
“I had rather not answer,” spoke Larry. “When Mr. Witherby comes back please say nothing to him. There may be big developments in the next few hours.”
“Oh, but to think of the disgrace that may come to my boarding-house!” she cried.
“I think I can promise you that there will be no shadow of disgrace,” said Larry. “By the way, your new servant wanted to get in to clean his room, while I was there. I put her off. You had best explain to her.”
“Oh, yes, you mean Katie. I will. I forgot about her when I let you go up. Oh, but I hope there will be nothing disgraceful, for I have always kept a respectful place, Mr. Dexter.”
“Don’t worry,” said Larry kindly, for he felt sorry for the landlady.