I had received a statement from the proprietor, who
claimed that the stock was free from incumbrance, and everything in good
shape. So I concluded that an open swindle had been perpetrated.

I took the train for the town where he was doing business, and on my
arrival learned that the other creditors had been there ahead of me, and
not one had succeeded in getting the least satisfaction. I visited the
store, and could not see a single article in the show-cases that I could
identify as goods I had sold him. This alone convinced me more than ever
that I had been swindled completely out of my goods.

I instituted a vigorous search for a clew of some kind which might lead
to their discovery, but without success; and was just about to leave
town when I inquired if the late jewelry firm had employed any clerks or
errand boys before collapsing.

Upon learning that they had employed a small boy then residing with the
ex-manager, and realizing that my chances for getting information from
that quarter would be pretty slim, I inquired if the lad had any
relatives living there. The hotel clerk told me that his father and
sister were living but a short distance away, and pointed out the house
to me. I called at once, but with not an inkling of an idea of what I
would say or do when I should be admitted; and trusting implicitly to
the inspiration of the moment.

When I rapped at the door, it was opened by a tall, lank, angular and
cadaverous-looking young woman of about eighteen, who by the way was big
enough to peddle grind-stones.

I was surprised to learn that she was a sister of the lad referred to,
as I had gotten the impression that she was much younger.

The instant I saw the style of person I had to deal with, it occurred to
me that a little stratagem might be worth several hundred dollars to me,
if properly directed, just at that particular time. Without a moment's
reflection, and before she had time to offer me a chair, I stepped back
as if greatly amazed, and said:

"Miss ----, I never was more surprised--I never saw anything like it--I
can't believe my own eyes--it seems like a dream."

"What do you mean?"

"Why, do you know, you are the exact image of a young lady I was once
engaged to; and she died on the very day set for the wedding. I never
saw anything like it!"

I then told her my name and business. She had often heard her brother
speak of such a wholesale jewelry house; and I could see that she was on
he