Page:Bound to be an Electrician.djvu/264

246 after selling him a patent, upon which he had realized a small fortune.

Belden Brice had expected to return the child to Wilbur Bliss upon his return, but, through Montague Smith had received the report that the inventor was dead; Smith believing such to be the case, as he had never heard from his tool to the contrary. To clear himself, if possible, Montague Smith had cought to make Mrs. Bliss believe that Belden Brice was solely to blame for her brother's disappearance and supposed death.

After the joyful meeting at the hotel, a visit was paid to the nearest police station, and officers were sent to the residence occupied by Nathan Fipher, with a view to arresting the man and Montague Smith. The officers found the place deserted, even the servant girl having disappeared.

"It is more than likely Montague Smith has returned to Chicago," said Franklin. "It would be well to telegraph to that city and have him held."

A telegram was sent, and on the following day Montague Smith was arrested at his home, where he was packing his trunk preparatory to fleeing to Canada. Nothing was discovered concerning Fipher; and Captain Cosgrove and the Sunflower also disappeared, to be searched for in vain.

When Franklin returned to Chicago, he found Belden Brice waiting for him. The speculator listened to all that his young employee had to tell with much interest.