The Tin Box, and What it Contained

Harry colored, and looked indignant.

"No, sir," he answered, with emphasis.

Mr. Wheeler smiled.

"I was bringing no charge against you," he said. "I thought the guiltyparties might have employed you as their agent – their innocent agent. Now, tell me how you come to know anything about the matter."

This Harry proceeded to do. As the story is already familiar to thereader, he shall be spared a repetition of it. It is needless to saythat the lawyer listened with earnest attention.

"This is a curious story," he said, "but I see no reason to question itsaccuracy. I certainly hope it is true."

"It is true, sir."

"Of course, I imply no doubt of your word. Now, tell me, did you seedistinctly the faces of the two men who were employed in concealing thebox?"

"Yes, sir."

"Should you know them again?"

"I should."

"Did you recognize either?"

"Yes, sir."

"Indeed!" exclaimed the lawyer, who did not expect an affirmativeanswer. "Who was it?"

"Ralph Temple."

"How did you know him?"

"He lives in a poor cabin just on the outskirts of the wood."

"How long has he lived there?"

"About two years."

"What is his reputation?"

"Very poor. No one knows how he makes his living, though at times heseems to have plenty of money."

"Is he absent a part of his time?"

"Yes, sir; he is sometimes away for a month at a time."

"Probably he is in league with some criminals in the city, and may havean object in living where he does."

"I thought of that, sir."

"Did you recognize the other man?" the lawyer next asked.

"No, sir. It was no one I ever saw before; but I noticed his face well, and should know him again."

"So far, so good. Can you find or lead others to the place in the woodwhere the box was concealed?"

"Yes, sir; but I don't think they will leave it there long. Somethingought to be done soon."

"Something shall be done. By the way, have you mentioned what you saw toany person?"

"To only one – an old gentleman boarding at my mother's house."

The lawyer looked annoyed.

"I am sorry for that. It may be all over the village before you getback, and, in that case, your information may do no good."

"Don't be afraid, sir. Obed Wilkins can keep a secret."

"Obed Wilkins! Does he come from Illinois?"

"Yes, sir."

"I know him," said the lawyer, smiling. "In fact, he is a client ofmine. As you say, he can keep a secret. My boy – by the way, what is yourname?"

"Harry Gilbert."

"Very well, Harry, your chance of earning the reward offered is verygood."

"I did not come here with any thought of the reward."

"Perhaps not; but the owner can very well afford to pay it, and I adviseyou to accept it if your information leads to the recovery of the box."

"Doesn't it belong to you, sir?"

"Oh, no. It belongs to one of my clients. It disappeared from my officetwo days since. The owner is not yet aware of his loss, but I feltauthorized to offer the reward. May I count on your further help?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then I shall send you at once with a note to a police officer, requesting two detectives to accompany you back. I shall give theminstructions, and they will probably go back with you to the country."

"Very well, sir."

Mr. Wheeler dashed off a few lines, properly addressed them, and handedthem to Harry.

"Use all dispatch," he said.

"I will," answered our hero, promptly.

As he left the inner office, the clerk outside regarded him curiously. He was surprised at the long interview accorded him, and wondered whatcould be his errand.