Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/167

 has heard of my skill that way. I was an expert, sir, before I went into business for myself and failed, attempting a commercial line I did not understand," explained the man, yet losing his own courage as the explanation went on. He had boasted thus of his reputation the better to comfort his wife, but he read no encouragement in the countenance of Mr. Wakeman, which grew more forbidding each instant.

"Do not mistake, Mr. Smith. My errand is not of the sort which you appear to expect. My employer—I am myself an expert accountant, and the only one necessary to our business—my employer does not know of my present visit. Some days ago he entrusted a private bit of detective work to me, and I have now, I think, brought it to a finish. Why, however, may I ask, did you not reply to our advertisement?"

"I have seen none. This," waving his hand around the bare apartment, "is hardly the place where the luxury of newspapers may be looked for. What was the advertisement, if you please?"