I did not have far to seek for a man who would fully answer the purpose I had in view, and one who would succeed if success were possible.  I had tried him in several operations where this kind of work was necessary, and he had invariably accomplished what had been delegated to him to perform.  I therefore called Harry Vinton into my office, and stated to him the nature of the mission upon which he was to be sent.  He was a handsome, jolly, quick-witted and intelligent young fellow, who had been with me for a long time.  Entering my employment as an office boy, and evincing a decided task and talent for the profession of a detective, he had continued in my service, until at this time he was quite an adept in his particular line, and many a successful operation had been largely due to his intelligent efforts, while far removed from the directing eye of myself or my superintending assistants.  His manners were frank and easy, and among the ladies he was a general favorite, therefore, I concluded to intrust him with the task of obtaining admission into the residence of the sister of Edwards, on Logan Place.

Our operatives had reported that at this house there was employed, in the capacity of domestic, a young and handsome girl, whose conduct as far as could be judged was exemplary in the highest degree, and informing Vinton of this fact, William inquired if he thought he could manage it successfully.

A merry twinkle shone in Vinton’s eyes for a moment and then he answered: 

“I think I can, sir; and I am willing to make the attempt.”

“Very well,” replied William, laughing.  “Only look out for yourself.  I hear she is a very charming young girl, and you may find yourself in earnest before you are aware of it.”

“Perhaps I may,” said Vinton, “and perhaps I might not do better than that if I tried.”

“All right,” said William; “I will not burden you with instructions at present, and you will proceed according to your own judgment, only remember what we want to discover, and succeed if you can.”

With these words Vinton took his departure.

A few days passed uneventfully by and no report came from Vinton.  He was evidently looking over the ground, and as undue haste would avail nothing in a matter of this kind William forbore to push him.

Vinton, however, had not been idle, and his inquiries had developed the fact that the young servant of Mrs. Andrews was a regular attendant at church on Sunday afternoon, when she was allowed her liberty from her domestic duties.

The following Sunday, therefore, found him wending his way toward the church.  The day was bright and balmy, and the streets were thronged with pedestrians all bedecked in their Sunday attire, and apparently enjoying to the full their day of rest.

Vinton reached the church, a magnificent structure, with its many spires glistening in the rays of the sun, and its chime of bells which were ringing out their harmonious cadences upon the air.  He had been fortunate to find among his acquaintances a young man who also attended this church, and in his company he repaired to the sacred edifice, and joined in the services of the hour.  When the last hymn had been sung and the congregation had been dismissed, Vinton and his companion hurried out to the sidewalk, where they could observe all who came out.