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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 9 (April 1, 1931)

Detective Engages in Search

Detective Engages in Search.

When Joe again returned to the hotel he found that the disappearance of the trunk was causing great concern. He heard the trunk referred to as Mr. Bolton's trunk, and it dawned upon him that he had made a serious mistake. He pretended he had only just returned from the station. He believed, as there was no member of the hotel staff in sight when he had previously returned, that he had not been observed. He took the first opportunity of seeking the cabman, and, for a consideration, ensured his silence. On his next visit to the station he explained his dilemma to the porters concerned, and asked them to forget the incident of the trunk.

When Mr. Bolton returned to his hotel and had been informed of the loss, he recalled the maxim of his native city: “When in difficulty ask a policeman,” and he sought the police office. He gave particulars of the case, and stated that he was prepared to offer a substantial reward for the recovery of his property. The courteous police officer explained that it was no part of their business to search for lost luggage, nor could they accept any reward other than might be granted by their Department, but as a crime had apparently been committed they would seek the culprit, and in bringing him to justice might also recover the stolen property, when a contribution towards the expense of doing so would be acceptable. The case was accordingly assigned to Detective page 48 Benn. Now, Benn may, or may not, have been a great detective, but he knew something of railway work, and he also knew that a sovereign judiciously placed is a great assistance to failing memory.