THE DETECTIVE.
The man in drab smiled to himself as he left the presence of Mrs.
Fogson.
"I wonder whether that woman's husband has her amiable traits?" he
speculated. "If so, the Scranton poor must be made very uncomfortable."
As he reached the village he met Percy Dixon once more. Percy had an
ungovernable curiosity, and he crossed the street to intercept the
stranger.
"I suppose you found the poorhouse," he said suggestively.
"Yes; I could not miss it after your clear directions."
"Are you related to Mr. and Mrs. Fogson?" asked Percy, rather boldly.
"Well no," answered the stranger with a smile. "I haven't the honor."
"Have you any relations among the paupers?"
"Not that I am aware of. However, I called to inquire after one of
them--a boy."
"Jed Gilman?" said Percy eagerly.
"Yes; I believe that is his name. Are you acquainted with him?"
"I have known him for years."
"I suppose he is a friend of yours?"
"Not much. Do you think I would be friends with a pauper?"
"I don't know. I see no reason why not if he is a nice boy."
"But Jed isn't a nice boy. He's an artful, forward, presuming young
jackanapes, and was awfully troublesome."
"I am sorry to hear it. Mrs. Fogson seems to think of him very much as
you do."
"I should think she would. She and Fogson couldn't do anything with
him."
"Mrs. Fogson says he isn't there now."
"No; he ran away after making a brutal assault on Fogson."
The man in drab felt an inclination to smile, but suppressed it.
"I don't know as I ought to have spoken against him," continued Percy
with a cunning look of inquiry. "You may be after him."
The man in drab paused a moment, then assuming a look of mystery, said,
"Can you keep a secret?"
"Yes," answered Percy eagerly.
"Come here, then."
Percy drew near, and the other whispered mysteriously, "_I am a
detective!_"
"You don't say so!" ejaculated Percy, gazing at him with a species of
awe, begotten of his idea of detectives as introduced into books which
he had read.
The other nodded.
"And I am after Jed Gilman!" he continued.
"Is that so?" said the delighted Percy. "What has he done?"
"That is a secret which I am not permitted to reveal at present."
"Do you want to find him?"
"Very much."
"Then I'll tell you where he is. He's gone to Bar Harbor--in Maine, you
know."
The detective nodded.
"He went on a yacht--the Juno--owned by Mr. Schuyler Roper--a rich New
York gentleman."
"But how did he get into such company?"
"Oh, Mr. Roper took pity on him and gave him a place."
"Then you think he is comfortably situated?"
"Yes, but he won't be long."
"Why not?"
"Because I have written a letter to Mr. Roper, telling him Jed's real
character. I expect he'll be bounced when that letter arrives."
"That would upset all my plans and enable him to escape."
Percy looked perplexed and disappointed.
"I am sorry for that," he said. "I guess I'd better write again and tell
him to keep Jed another week."
"Perhaps you had better do so. Say that---- But no. I will telegraph to
him to keep Jed with him till I arrive."
"That'll do better. You couldn't possibly tell me what Jed has done?"
"Not at present."
"You'll let me know sometime?"
"I think I shall be able to gratify your curiosity before long."
"I'll give you my address, and you can write to me. I wish I knew
whether Jed had stolen anything or not."
"I cannot say a word! My lips are sealed!" said the detective in a
solemn tone.
Percy was impressed. The man in drab quite came up to his idea of a
detective.
"By the way," said his companion, "I want to call on Mr. and Mrs. Avery,
who, I understand, know something of the boy's early life."
"They live there--in that small house. I'll go with you."
"No, I prefer to go alone. One can't be too careful."
"All right," said Percy. "I wonder what under the canopy Jed's been
doing? It's likely he'll have to go to jail."