the
clerk, who was hovering near.

"Shut the door, and resume your writing, Richard," said Mr. Wheeler.

Shrugging his shoulders, with a disappointed look, Richard obeyed.

"I came to see you about the advertisement," said Harry, coming to the
point at once.

The lawyer started, and eyed Harry keenly. Could the boy be one of the
thieves, or was he merely acting as a go-between?

"Do you know anything about the box of bonds?" asked Mr. Wheeler,
quickly.

"Yes, sir; I know where it is concealed."

"Ha, that is important. Do you come from the parties that took them?"

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 guilty
parties 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 the
reader, he shall be spared a repetition of it. It is needless to say
that the lawyer listened with earnest attention.

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

"It is true, sir."

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

"Yes, sir."

"Should you know them again?"

"I should."

"Did you recognize either?"

"Yes, sir."

"Indeed!" exclaimed the lawyer, who did not expect an affirmative
answer. "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 he
seems 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 have
an 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 wood
where the box was concealed?"

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

"Som