ing or posting of any letters.
Another operative was despatched to Woodford to note the movements of
Mrs. Edwards, the wife of the suspected thief, and to endeavor to obtain
some information that would assist us in the chase. It might be possible
that this reported quarrel was a mere ruse, to blind the detectives, and
to throw them off the scent; and it was important that the truthfulness
of this story should be substantiated. At the same time, William decided
on no account to lose sight of young Pearson, and directed the
operatives at Geneva to maintain a strict watch over his movements, and
by no means to permit him to leave town unaccompanied by some one who
could note his every action. The young bank clerk, however, gave no
cause for any new suspicion. He performed his duties at the bank with
unflagging industry and evinced the greatest desire that the thieves
might soon be captured. His solicitude for Miss Patton was apparently
sincere and unceasing, and he frequently reproached himself for not
having acted in a more manly manner at the time the assault was made. So
humiliated did he appear at the loss the bank had sustained, and so
earnest was he in everything that approached a vigorous and determined
chase after the robbers, that he soon became an object of profound
sympathy and higher regard to the bank officers and his numerous
friends in Geneva. After fully considering this matter of young
Pearson, William deemed it his duty to acquaint Mr. Silby with his
suspicions. It was due to that gentleman, he argued, that he should be
thus informed, and then if results should justify the suspicion he would
be prepared for what would follow, while if the contrary should prove
true he would have all the more reason for his high estimation of his
young assistant cashier.

He did not have long to wait before making this revelation, for in a few
days after he had put his plans into operation and posted his men,
William received a call from Mr. Silby, who desired to be informed of
the progress that was being made. After fully detailing to the honest
old banker all that we had thus far learned, and the steps which had
been taken to ascertain the whereabouts of Newton Edwards, all of which
met with his hearty approval, William delicately broached the unpleasant
subject.

"Mr. Silby," said he, "there is another matter which I desire to speak
of, and one which I fear may occasion you some pain, or may meet with
your opposition.