the ward and the guardian, in case it had not already been accomplished.
On his way, his mind had pictured many scenes in which the boy and the
grocer were participants, but none of them had contained the possibility
of the store being closed. And it was with distinct surprise that he
found the door locked, and was unable to arouse any one by his vigorous
pounding upon the weather-worn panels.

"I wonder what it means," said the reporter to himself. "Perhaps Bob
didn't come back, and the old man, repenting of his refusing to go to
his ward's assistance, is on his way either to the police station or to
the court."

His occupation, however, necessitated his being resourceful, and, seeing
an elderly woman peering at him closely from a window of the neighboring
house, Foster hastened toward her.

Bowing politely, he asked:

"Have you seen anything of Mr. Dardus, or Bob Chester?"

"Uhuh! I seen 'em both," replied the woman, nodding her head, as though
to confirm her words. But though Foster remained silent in the hope that
she would add to this information, he was at length obliged to renew his
questions, as she vouchsafed nothing more.

"Were they together?"

"No."

"Which way were they going--in the same direction?"