"Miss Neustrom, I would like to see you alone for a few minutes."
The girl started and looked at her aunt.
That good woman seemed bewildered, and didn't know what to say.
"I shall not detain you for more than a few minutes," said the detective in a reassuring tone. "This room will do," and he pointed to what might have been the dining-room.
"Come, then," said Minnie, and, opening the door, she led the way into the next apartment.
They remained together for more than a quarter of an hour, and then Old Spicer took his leave.
Where he spent the rest of the day is not positively known; but that night, at nine o'clock, he sat in his own back parlor, calmly waiting the coming of Seth Stricket and George Morgan.
At length, within a few minutes of each other, they both arrived, and as soon as they were seated, Old Spicer impatiently asked:
"Well, what have you to tell me? I suppose you have found out something of importance?"
"Who shall speak first?" asked George, with a smile.