"A thief?" Who? Where?"
"It is Andy Gresson, the man who robbed Mrs. Mace of her diamond rings last January."
"Oh, I remember him! And where is he?"
"At his home on Valley Place. Come, I will show you the way."
"All right, I'm with you, young man. There is no mistake?"
"No, sir."
"Who are you?"
"Franklin Bell."
"You are the boy, then, that was mixed up in the case?"
"Yes, unfortunately. But come on, there is no time to waste. He may leave the cottage at any minute."
Franklin began to run, and the policeman, who was young, and had good wind, followed close upon his heels.
It was now getting late, and the streets were almost deserted. The moon had gone under a cloud, making it quite dark, and no one observed their movements.
Valley Place was soon reached, and Franklin pointed out the Gresson cottage.
"The light was in the kitchen before, but I see it is now up stairs," he said.
"Maybe Gresson is going to stay at home all night," returned the policeman, as they made their way around to the kitchen door.
