discretion will prevent you from speaking of this matter, I trust." Then
as the other bowed, added carelessly, "I have something to say to
Jessup; will you see that he steps here for a moment?"

Mr. Folger again nodded and left the room. Instantly Mr. Gryce bustled
forward, and pulling the screen into the position he thought best
calculated to answer his requirements, slid rapidly behind it. Mr.
Stuyvesant looked up in surprise.

"I am going to interview the clerks for Mr. Gryce's benefit," exclaimed
Mr. Sylvester. "Will you in the meantime look over the morning paper?"

"Thank you," returned the other, edging nervously to one side, "my
note-book will do just as well," and sitting down at the remote end of
the table, he took out a book from his pocket, above which he bent with
very well simulated preoccupation. Mr. Sylvester called in Bertram and
then seated himself with a hopeless and unexpectant look, which he for
the moment forgot would be reflected in the mirror before him, and so
carried to the eye of the watchful detective. In another instant Jessup
entered.

What was said in the short interview that followed, is unimportant. Mr.
Jessup, the third teller, was one of those clear eyed, straightforward
appearing men whose countenance is its own guarantee. It was not
necessary to detain him or make him speak. The next man to come in was
Watson, and after he had gone, two or three of the clerks, and later the
receiving teller and one of the runners. All stopped long enough to
insure Mr. Gryce a good view of their faces, and from each and all did
Mr. Sylvester succeed in eliciting more or less conversation in response
to the questions he chose to put.

With the disappearance of the last mentioned individual, Mr. Gryce
peeped from behind the screen. "A set of as honest-looking men as I wish
to see!" uttered he with a frank cordiality that was scarcely reflected
in the anxious countenances about him. "No sly-boots among them; how
about the janitor, Hopgood?"

"He shall be summoned at once, if you desire it," said Mr. Sylvester, "I
have only delayed calling him that I might have leisure to interrogate
him with reference to his duties, and this very theft. That is if you
judge it advisable in me to tamper with the subject unassisted?"

"Your nephew can help you if necessary," replied the imperturbable
detective. "I should like to hear what the man, Hopgood, has to say for
himself," and he glided back into his old pos