"
"I don't remember ever having heard it.
Evidently there has been some past acquaintance
between the two men, and that, I should say,
is hardly a recommendation for Mr. Gibbon.
Of course that alone is not enough to condemn
him, but the intimacy is certainly a suspicious
circumstance."
The two soon reached the house of Mr. Jennings,
for the distance was only a quarter of a mile.
Mr. Jennings seemed a little surprised, but
gave a kindly welcome to his unexpected guest.
It occurred to him that he might have come to
give some extra order for goods.
"You are surprised to see me," said Thorndike.
"I came on a very important matter."
A look of inquiry came over the face of Mr. Jennings.
"There's a thief in the village--a guest at
the hotel--whom I recognize as one of the most
expert burglars in the country."
"I think I know whom you mean, a man of moderate height,
rather thick set, with small, black eyes and a slouch hat."
"Exactly."
"What can you tell me about him?"
Mr. Thorndike repeated the statement he
had already made to Carl.
"Do you think our bank is in danger?"
asked the manufacturer.
"Perhaps so, but the chief danger threatens you."
Mr. Jennings looked surprised.
"What makes you think so?"
"Because this man appears to be very intimate
with your bookkeeper."
"How do you know that?" asked the little man, quickly.
"I refer you to Carl."
"Leonard Craig told me to-night that this man
Stark spent every evening at his uncle's house."
Mr. Jennings looked troubled.
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