"It's more than likely they'll try to sell those things to some stationer or at a second-hand² store," answered Nelson. "And the chances are that they'll sell 'em as quick as possible."

 

"You are right there," answered his partner. "Supposing you take one side of the street and I'll take the other, and we'll ask at the different stores."

 

This was agreed upon, and soon our hero had visited five stores.

 

Nobody had seen the thieves or knew anything about them.

 

"It's no use," he thought, and then entered a sixth establishment, kept by an old man.

 

"Yes, I saw them," said the old man. "They were here early this morning, and wanted to sell me the things dog-cheap. But I was suspicious of them, so I didn't buy."

 

[Pg 171]

 

"Do you know where they went next?"

 

"One of them said something about taking the elevated train."

 

"You didn't watch them?"

 

"No; I was going to, but a customer took my time."

 

The old man described both Darnley and Snocks, and also some of the goods offered, so there could not possibly be any mistake.

 

"I hate thieves," he concluded. "I hope you catch them."

 

"If we need a witness, will you aid us?" asked Nelson.

 

"I will."

 

"Thank you," said Nelson, and left him one of the business cards he and Van Pelt had had printed.

 

On the corner he beckoned³ to his partner and told Van Pelt of what he had learned.

 

"We'll ask the elevated railroad gate-keeper below," said Van Pelt.

 

But at the station they got no satisfaction.

 

"I came on an hour ago," said the gate-keeper. "The other man has gone home."

 

"And you haven't seen 'em?" asked Nelson.

 

"No. The fact is, so many people come and go we hardly notice anybody."

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