Entering the shop without hesitation and with a careless air of
assurance, Everman found himself in the presence of the locksmith, who
was busily employed at his work. Mr. Black was a stout, good-looking,
middle-aged man, who wore bushy whiskers and a pair of iron-rimmed
spectacles. On the entrance of the detective he came forward with a
pleasant smile on his face, as though expecting a profitable customer,
and greeted the operative.

"Well, sir, what can I do for you to-day?"

"Nothing in the way of business," replied the detective; "I am seeking
some information which perhaps you can give me."

"Take a seat," said the locksmith, pushing a stool toward the detective,
and at the same time seating himself upon the counter. "I don't know a
great deal, but if I can tell you what you want to know I shall be happy
to do so."

"Thank you," replied Everman, as he produced a couple of fragrant
cigars, and handed one to Mr. Black. "My name is Everman; I am a
salesman for a city house, and am a neighbor of your brother-in-law,
Newton Edwards. I have a message for him from his employer, and want to
find out where to address him. I understood he had come to Woodford, and
was informed at the hotel that I would be apt to learn from you whether
he was in town."

While he was speaking, he watched the countenance of the locksmith
carefully, and as he mentioned the name of Edwards he noticed that the
cheerful smile disappeared from his face and was replaced with a heavy
frown; this remained but a moment, and when Everman finished speaking,