"I will do what you request," responded Mr. Silby; "but believe me, you will find that you are mistaken." "Another thing," continued William. "If at any time I should telegraph to you these words--'_Look out for that package_!' please remember that 'that package' means Pearson, and he must not be allowed to go away." "All this I will do, because I know you are doing what you think best; but I am confident all will be made right for the boy in good time." "For your sake, Mr. Silby, I hope so, too, but I am not so sanguine of that: and we cannot afford to take any risks." Mr. Silby arose to his feet, and grasping my son's hand, withdrew without a word. As he passed out, William looked after him with a feeling of compassion he rarely experienced. "It is a great pity," he murmured to himself, "that so much strong, manly faith should be so sadly misplaced, and I fear very much that before we are through with this case, Mr. Silby's trust in human nature will be badly shattered. But we must do our duty, and the right must triumph at last--we must await the result." CHAPTER VI. The Detective at Woodford.--An Interview with the Discarded Wife of Newton Edwards. It was on a hot sultry morning in August, about ten days after the robbery at Geneva, that William Everman arrived at the picturesque little city of Woodford. Woodford was the home of the brother of Mrs. Newton Edwards, with whom that lady was supposed to have taken refuge after her quarrel with her husband. Everman proceeded directly to the hotel upon his arrival, and quickly announced himself as a traveling salesman from a neighboring city. In a casual conversation with the clerk, he ascertained that Edwards and his wife were quite well known in the place, and that the clerk was an intimate acquaintance of the lady's husband. "Is Edwards stopping here now?" inquired the detective, in a careless manner. "No!" answered the clerk, as he fondly curled the ends of a very delicate and scarcely perceptible mustache. "He hasn't stopped here since his marriage; he usually goes to the home of his wife's family now." "Do you know whether he is in town now?" "I think not, unless he arrived last night," answered the young man. "There are several letters here for him, and he would have called for them before this. He has his mail always directed here." "I am sorry for that," said Everman. "I have some instructions for him from the house he travels for, and he ought to get them as soon as possible." "Perhaps Mr. Black could tell you where he is. I believe Edwards' wife is staying with him, and she certainly could tell you where you could address him, or whether he is expected here very soon." After thanking the clerk for his information and ascertaining the business place of Mr. Black, the detective left the hotel, and sauntered about the city.