Her story corroborated all that had previously been related by young Pearson, and left no doubt in the mind of the detective that the occurrences of the eventful afternoon had been correctly detailed.

He could not, however, control the doubtfulness that was impressing him with regard to Eugene Pearson.
"I cannot forbear the thought," said he, when Miss Patton had concluded her story, "that if Mr.Pearson had displayed a reasonable amount of manly bravery, this robbery could not have taken place." "There is something very strange to me," said the girl, musingly, "about the manner in which Eugene acted; and--there are some things that I cannot understand." "Would you object to telling me what they are ?" said the detective.
"Perhaps I can enlighten you." "Well," responded the girl reluctantly, "I fear that Eugene has not told the entire truth in this matter." "In what respect ?" inquired the detective.
"I would not do anything to injure Mr.Pearson for the world, Mr.
Manning, and he may have forgotten the circumstance altogether, but I am sure that I saw one of those robbers on two occasions before this occurred, in the bank and talking to Mr.Pearson." "Why should he seek to conceal this ?" asked the operative.
"That is just what I cannot understand," answered the lady.
"Tell me just what you know, and perhaps I can help you in coming to a correct conclusion." "I don't like to say anything about this, but still I think it is my duty to do so, and I will tell you all that I know.

More than two weeks ago, I returned from my dinner to the bank one day, and I saw this man in the private office with Mr.Pearson; I noticed then that their manner toward each other showed them to be old acquaintances rather than mere strangers.

This man left the bank in a few minutes after I came in.

He had the manner and appearance of a gentleman, and I did not think anything of it at the time." "Did Mr.Pearson tell you who he was, or explain his presence there at that time ?" "No, I did not ask anything about him, and he did not mention the matter to me." "When did you see them together again ?" "That same evening about dusk.