Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/170

 How little we dreamed she was right here in our own Baltimore all this time. Go, dear, at once."

With something like a groan the man caught the brave little creature in his arms, and was not ashamed to kiss her then and there before this staring stranger who had brought them this news. Ill or good, which would it prove? Then he put on his hat and went directly away.

Mr. Wakeman followed more slowly. He did not feel as much elated over his success as an amateur detective as he fancied he should feel. He was thinking of many things. Suppose this fellow, who was so down on his luck, this other unknown, insignificant Joseph Smith, should happen to take the fancy of the great Joseph Smith, of whom the world of business stood in such awe, and that magnate should happen to employ him on certain little matters of his own? Suppose those inquiries were directed toward his, Mr. Wakeman's, own accounts, what would follow? Who could tell? Hmm! Yes, indeed. To prevent any such "happenings" that might prove unpleasant, it