"Do you think there is any probability that the thief will be taken?"
"Well, I guess so, if we look sharp."
Something in the landlord's tone struck Frederick disagreeably. He glanced around, and the distrustful, watchful expression on the countenances of those about him revealed at once the nature of the suspicions against him.
"You surely do not suspect me of being this James Wilson?" asked he, in surprise.
"I guess you'll have hard work to prove that you are anything else. What is your name?"
"Frederick Lanier."
"And what business do you follow?"
"I am a student in New York city. My uncle, with whom I reside there, is Mr. Oliver Lawrence. You may have heard of him?"
But no. Well known as Mr. Lawrence was in Wall Street, his reputation did not extend to Hillsdale. Frederick saw that the mention of his uncle's name produced no effect. He glanced again over the description of the defaulter.
"I surely am neither swarthy nor down-looking," said he, catching at a straw.