Horatio Alger

“ He said nothing about his plans."
"Did he seem specially careful about the casket?"
"Yes, sir. He carried that in his hands, but let the servant carry up the gripsack."
"My friend," said the agent in an impressive tone, "I am going to surprise you."
The country clerk looked all curiosity.
"Is it about Mr. Wheeler?" he asked.
"Yes, the man is a thief. He stole the casket, which contains valuable jewelry, from my young friend here. We are here to demand a return of the property or to arrest him. Is there a policeman within call?" ”

“ Call me Rodney."
"I will. It don't seem natural to dub a boy Mr. Now, Rodney, follow me."
The two passengers set out on the road that led to the village. They could see the latter easily, for it was not more than a mile away.
"He will be surprised to think we have `struck his trail' so quick," said the agent.
"Where shall we go first?"
"To the hotel if there is one."
"The village seems small."
"Yes, there are only a few hundred inhabitant probably. It is not a place where a traveler would be likely to interrupt his journey unless he had a special object in doing so, like our dishonest friend. ”

“ I'll stop over with you and help you make it hot for him. I've had a spite against thieves ever since I had a valuable overcoat stolen in one of my journeys."
"I shall feel very much obliged to you, Mr. Woods, but won't it interfere with your business?" ”