CHAPTER XII.
_ONE_ morning, about two weeks later, Mr.Freeling did not make his appearance at his place of business as usual.

At ten o'clock a clerk went to the hotel where he boarded to learn the cause of his absence.

He had not been there since the night before.

His trunks and clothing were all in their places, and nothing in the room indicated anything more than an ordinary absence.
Twelve o'clock, and still Mr.Freeling had not come to the store.

Two or three notes were to be paid that day, and the managing-clerk began to feel uneasy.