“This is the parcel, I think,” he said.  “If you will allow me I will open it, to make sure.”

Mrs. McCarty looked undecided, but as she said nothing in opposition Mr. Redwood unfastened the strings and unrolled the bundle.  His eyes lighted up with satisfaction as he disclosed the contents—­a lady’s cloak.

Mrs. McCarty looked surprised.

“Why, it’s a lady’s cloak,” she said, “and a very handsome one.  What would Mr. Ropes want of such a thing as that?”

“Perhaps he intended to make you a present of it.”

“No, he can’t afford to make such present.”

“The explanation is simple.  It belongs to the store.  Perhaps Mr. Ropes left it here inadvertently.”

“But he hasn’t been here since morning.”

“He has a pass key to the front door?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then he may have been here.  Would you object to my taking it?”

“Yes, sir, you see I don’t know you.”

“Your objection is a proper one.  Then I will trouble you to take a look at the cloak, so that you would know it again.”

“Certainly, sir.  I shall remember it!”

“That is all, Mrs. ——?”

“McCarty, sir.”

“Mrs. McCarty, I won’t take up any more of your time,” and Mr. Redwood started to go down stairs.

“Who shall I tell Mr. Ropes called to see him.”

“You needn’t say.  I will mention the matter to him myself.  I am employed in the same store.”

“All right sir.  Where is the store?  I never thought to ask Mr. Ropes.”

“Reade Street, near Broadway.  You know where Reade Street is?”

“Yes, sir.  My husband used to work in Chambers Street.  That is the first street south.”

“Precisely.  Well, I can’t stay longer, so I will leave, apologizing for having taken up so much of your time.”

“Oh, it’s of no consequence, sir.”

“He is a perfect gentleman,” she said to herself, as Mr. Redwood closed the front door, and went out on the street.  “I wonder whether he’s a widower.”

Being a widow this was quite a natural thought for Mrs. McCarty to indulge in, particularly as Mr. Redwood looked to be a substantial man with a snug income.

Mr. Redwood went back to the store, and went at once to the office.

“Well, Redwood,” said Mr. Goodnow, “did you learn anything?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Go on.”

“I went to the lodging of young Ropes, and was admitted to his room.”

“Well?”

“And there, wrapped in a brown paper, I found one of our missing cloaks lying on his bed.”

“Is it possible?”

“I am afraid he is not what we supposed him to be, Mr. Goodnow.”

“It looks like it.  I am surprised and sorry.  Do you think he took the other articles that are missing?”

“Of course I can’t say, sir, but it is fair to presume that he did.”

“I am exceedingly sorry.  I don’t mind saying, Redwood, that I took an especial interest in that boy.  I have already told you the circumstances of my meeting him, and the fancy taken to him by my friend Mulgrave.”