This final announcement sent Tod’s heart galloping. His wide, blue eyes, once so clouded, brightened like an April sky after a shower. “Thanks! Have a couple more on me!” he said, tossed a bill on the bar, and darted out through the swinging doors into the lobby. In another minute he had paid his bill at the desk and was hurrying down the street toward the railroad station. The clerk had informed him that a train left for Boston in five minutes. “Everything isn’t lost, after all,” he told himself exultantly. “What a fool I was to be discouraged so soon! Klein’s in Boston, and I’ll get him before the week is out!” And so enthusiastic did he become over the glowing prospects ahead of him, that he completely forgot that he had neither bathed nor shaved nor had his breakfast. CHAPTER XXIV. MR. AMOS JARGE. Two days previous to the mysterious robbery at the Lydecker home a slim, black-eyed stranger, alighting from the local train at Hudson, inquired of the cabman who drove him up to the business section the location of a certain real-estate firm. As the result of his visit there the stranger engaged an office in the most prominent business building in the town, and upon the glass door, so that all who passed might read, was lettered: Amos Jarge. Private Detective Agency. On the Monday following the robbery the portly form of Mr. Lydecker might have been seen entering the elevator of the same building. And directly behind him, also entering the elevator, came hurrying another man. Apparently preoccupied, this latter stepped upon Mr. Lydecker’s heels. Instantly he drew back with profuse apologies. “A thousand pardons, sir! I—I——” He broke off abruptly and held out his hand. “Why, Mr. Lydecker! This is, indeed, a surprise.” Mr. Lydecker’s brow cleared and he accepted the hand. “Bless my soul! What are you doing in Hudson, Mr. Jarge?” Jarge laughed. “I had quite forgotten that you lived in this city,” he declared. “Let me see, the last time we met was——” “On the Fall River boat,” interrupted Mr. Lydecker. “I can never forget that incident! You returned my daughter’s jewels to me; don’t you remember?” “Quite so.” Jarge nodded slowly. “Of course, of course! That was during the time of my employment with the Fall River Company. Since you have recalled it, I remember the incident perfectly.” They had stepped out of the elevator now and were standing in the hall. “Then you are no longer in the services of the——” Mr. Lydecker began. “I resigned a month ago,” Jarge interrupted. “I have since started in business for myself. I have opened a chain of offices between Boston and New York.” “Is that so?” exclaimed Mr. Lydecker. “And where——” “Straight ahead of you, sir.” Jarge waved indifferently toward a door at the end of the hall. “That is my headquarters for Hudson and the surrounding district.”