Strange as it may appear, young Vinton, when not on duty, associated
freely with his companions, not one of whom suspected the business in
which he was engaged. They only knew that he was employed in an office
"down town," and that frequently he was required to be absent from the
city for weeks. In a large city, however, there is not the same
inclination to inquire about the private affairs of one's neighbors, and
hence he had been able, for prudential reasons, to avoid announcing his
real occupation, and was not compelled to make a social hermit of
himself because of his profession.

Being pressed to remain at the house of his friend, Vinton cordially
accepted the situation, and devoted himself to the fair Miss Crilly so
assiduously that he soon was in high favor with that young lady. After
an enjoyable afternoon, he had the pleasure of escorting Miss Crilly to
her home, and when he left her at her door, he was gratified to receive
an invitation to call again, which he joyfully accepted, and resolved to
take advantage of at an early date.

Thus far we had been successful; we had obtained a photograph of
Edwards, which had been promptly recognized. We had learned from his
wife that he was hiding in the state of New York; and we had reliable
men carefully posted in such a manner that in a very short time definite
information must assuredly be obtained.




CHAPTER IX.

Waiting and Watching--Two Letters--Newton Edwards' Hiding-Place