“It isn’t likely there will be a visitor before midnight; but, to make sure, we will say about eleven.”

“I can warn the watchman”—­

“You mustn’t think of such a thing!  We must slip inside without a soul knowing it.  The watchman is the last one to trust.”

“Do you suspect him?” asked the astonished Mr. Warmore.

“Not in the least; but you must never trust any person when it can possibly be avoided.  Doubtless, he means well, but he may leak.  The gentleman for whom we are looking might take it into his head to quiz him:  do you see?”

“It shall be as you say.  Will you call for me?”

“Yes; it will be safe enough, I think, to do that.”

After his family had retired, Mr. Warmore lit a cigar a few minutes before the time mentioned, and sauntered down the path in front of his house.  Detective Lathewood was prompt, and met him at his gate.  They walked briskly along the highway, until they entered the town and approached the large establishment which had been in the possession of the Warmore family for the better part of a century.  The merchant’s familiarity with his own premises enabled him to enter by a back way, without attracting the attention of the watchman or any one.  They waited till the streets, which were quite clear at that late hour, showed no one near, when they slipped inside, and closed the door behind them.

It was important that the two clerks sleeping upstairs should not be awakened; for they were not only likely to begin shooting, if they heard intruders below, but, of necessity, would learn of the project which the detective and the merchant had in mind.

Every foot was familiar to Mr. Warmore, who reached the large main room of his establishment without mishap.  Lathewood did the same, by keeping close to him, and feeling each inch of the way.

Here there was a light burning; and they had to be extremely careful, since their movements could be seen by any one passing the front.  The opportunities, however, for concealment were so good that they readily secured a place where they could sit down behind the far end of the counter, and remain unobserved in comfort.  This was done, and the trying wait began.

The detective was so accustomed to that sort of thing, that he remained cool and collected.  He would have liked to smoke a cigar to help while away the time, but was too wise to attempt anything of the kind.  The odor of tobacco would be certain to warn any one who entered by means of the front door.

Mr. Warmore was nervous, for the experience was new to him.  He succeeded by a great effort in keeping himself well in hand, venturing only to whisper a word now and then.

“You don’t think he is likely to come in the back way?” he asked in a guarded undertone.

“There is not the slightest danger of his doing so.  That would look suspicious.  He will use the front door, so, if seen and challenged, he will be ready with the excuse that he has called on legitimate business of his own.  At the same time, he will try to manage it so as not to be observed by any one.  That watchman of yours is not the keenest-eyed fellow in the world.”