"I stopped you," said Mrs. Hill, "because I have my suspicions, and I
thought I might help you in this investigation."

"I shall feel indebted to you for any help you can afford. Do you
mind telling me upon what your suspicions rest?"

"I don't like to accuse or throw suspicions on anyone," said the
housekeeper, but I think it is my duty to help my cousin in this
matter."

"Undoubtedly," said Mr. Lynx, noticing that she paused. "Proceed."

"You may or may not be aware that my cousin employs a boy of about
sixteen, whom, as I think, she engaged rather rashly, without knowing
anything of his antecedents. He assists her in her writing and
accounts--in fact, is a sort of secretary.

"His name is Benjamin Barclay, is it not?"

"Yes."

"Do you know anything of his habits?"

"He is very plausible. In fact, I think his appearance is in his
favor; but I think he is sly. Still water, you know, runs deep."

Mr. Lynx bowed assent.

"I was disposed," proceeded Mrs. Hill artfully, "to think well of the
boy, and to approve my cousin's selection, until last week he was seen
leaving a well-known gambling house in Thirty-first Street."

"Indeed! That is certainly suspicious."

"Is it not?"

"Who saw him leaving the gambling house, Mrs. Hill?"

"My son, Conrad."

"Curious that he should have been near at the time!"

"He was taking a walk. He generally goes out in the evening."

"Of course your son would not visit such a place?"

"Certainly not," answered Mrs. Hill, looking offended at the
suggestion.

"By the way, are the two boys intimate? Do they seem to like each
other?"

"My Conrad always treats the other boy well, out of common politeness,
but I don't think he likes him very well."

"Is your son in any situation?"

"He is now."

"Was he at the time this Benjamin was engaged by Mrs. Hamilton?"

"No."

"Rather singular that she did not employ your son, instead of seeking
out a stranger, isn't it?"

"Now that you mention it, I confess that I did feel hurt at the slight
to my boy. However, I don't wish to interfere with Cousin Hamilton,
or obtrude my son upon her."

"Strong jealousy there!" thought the detective.

"So you think this Ben Barclay may have taken the glass?" he said
inquiringly.

"I do. Since he visits gambling houses, he doubtless squanders money,
and can find a market for more than he can honestly earn."

"As you say, gambling often leads to dishonesty. Does Mrs. Hamilton