The detective read the accounts with interest and then leaned back in his office chair in a thoughtful mood. Letty had absented herself and in the outer office was another girl, who had done substitute work before. Suddenly the detective arose with decision, went to the telephone, and rang up Central.
There was a buzz and then a heavy voice came over the 'phone.
"Not if there is any money afloat," and a chuckle came over the wire.
"I want you to do some shadowing for me, I don't know how long it will take. It's a man--a commercial traveler. You can pick out your own make-up."
"I think it will be best. I want to give you some details."
"I'll be there in half an hour and all ready for the job."
Adam Adams busied himself in various ways, and at the end of half an hour, a well-dressed, middle-aged man came in, carrying a small sample case in one hand.
"Hullo, going to be a commercial traveler yourself, eh?" commented the detective.
"It will give me an easy way to get around," answered Charles Vapp. "I'm Andy Weber, representing the Boxton Seed Company. A seed man can go anywhere, in the city and the country. I got the outfit from old Boxton himself. He thinks it a good joke and he will keep mum. Now, what's the game?"
"I want you to do some shadowing for me."
"This is a bit out of the ordinary, Vapp."
"Well, that makes it more interesting. Who is the party?"
"No, he is American-born--the son of Mrs. Langmore."
"You don't mean the woman who was murdered with her husband?"
"Yes. He is a commercial traveler for a drug concern."
"Good! I'm glad I elected to be a traveler myself."
"As I said, Vapp, this is no ordinary case. I want you to keep track of this man day and night."
"I want you to note every person he communicates with."
"And here is another thing of great importance. If he spends money, try to find out if it is good money."
"Eh?" The shadower looked surprised for an instant. "You want me to look out for counterfeits?"
"That is not so easy, but I'll do my best," went on Charley Vapp, and then he asked a number of questions regarding Tom Ostrello, all of which Adam Adams answered as well as he was able.
"You are to stay on this case until I tell you to drop it," said the detective. "And remember, if anything unusual occurs, let me know as soon as you can reach me."