Dick the Bank Boy Or A Missing Fortune

BYFRANK V. WEBSTER

 AUTHOR OF "ONLY A FARM BOY, " "BOB THE CASTAWAY, " "COMRADES OF THE SADDLE, " "AIRSHIP ANDY, " ETC. 

ILLUSTRATED

 NEW YORK CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY PUBLISHERS

BOOKS FOR BOYS

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By FRANK V. WEBSTER

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12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. 

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 ONLY A FARM BOY TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY THE BOY FROM THE RANCH THE YOUNG TREASURE HUNTER BOB, THE CASTAWAY THE YOUNG FIREMEN OF LAKEVILLE THE NEWSBOY PARTNERS THE BOY PILOT OF THE LAKES TWO BOY GOLD MINERS JACK, THE RUNAWAY COMRADES OF THE SADDLE THE BOYS OF BELLWOOD SCHOOL THE HIGH SCHOOL RIVALS AIRSHIP ANDY BOB CHESTER'S GRIT BEN HARDY'S FLYING MACHINE DICK, THE BANK BOY DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER

Copyright, 1911, by

CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY

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DICK, THE BANK BOY

 [Illustration: TURNING TO DICK HE CONTINUED TO QUESTION HIM. _Dick the Bank Boy_ _Page 137_]

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

 I. THE MEETING ON THE ROAD 1

 II. A MOTHER WORTH FIGHTING FOR 9

 III. DICK'S FIRST WAGES 17

 IV. IN SEARCH OF A JOB 24

 V. MR. GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE 32

 VI. BOUND FOR THE OLD FISHING HOLE 40

 VII. DICK MAKES A GALLANT RESCUE 48

 VIII. THE COMING OF A LETTER 57

 IX. GREAT NEWS 66

 X. THE MEETING IN THE BANK 74

 XI. FRIENDLY ADVISE 83

 XII. GATHERING CLOUDS 92

 XIII. WANTED IN THE CASHIER'S OFFICE 100

 XIV. UNDER SUSPICION 108

 XV. MR. GRAYLOCK SEEMS DISAPPOINTED 117

 XVI. FORTUNE'S FAVORS 125

 XVII. THE INVESTIGATION 133

XVIII. THE RECEIVING TELLER FREES HIS MIND 142

 XIX. NOT FOR SALE 149

 XX. A RED LETTER DAY 157

 XXI. GOOD WORDS ON EVERY SIDE 165

 XXII. A REMARKABLE BIT OF INTELLIGENCE 173

XXIII. NEARING A CLIMAX 181

 XXIV. MR. GRAYLOCK MEETS HIS WATERLOO 190

 XXV. CONCLUSION 198

DICK, THE BANK BOY

CHAPTER I

THE MEETING ON THE ROAD

"Get out of my way, Dick Morrison!"

The boy who had been trudging along the narrow road looked up insurprise at hearing himself spoken to so suddenly, though he recognizedthe domineering voice even before catching sight of the speaker. 

"You already have half of the road, Ferd Graylock; to give you more I'dhave to back down in the ditch, and I don't care to do that, " hereplied, standing perfectly still and watching with some amusement thezigzag movements of the other, now close upon him. 

Ferd was mounted on a new motor-cycle, purchased with savings out of hispocket money, and with which machine he had been of late scouring thesurrounding country. 

Evidently the little motor had broken down while he was some distanceaway from home, necessitating considerable walking up hill and hardpedalling on the levels. 

Weary, and over-heated by his exertions, he was naturally in an uglytemper at the time he met Dick on the narrowest place along the entireroad, where a ditch on one side and a fence on the other, left onlyenough room for a single vehicle at a time to pass. 

Just then, judging from his erratic swinging from side to side, Ferdneeded the whole road, and seeing this, the other lad stood by, ready toguard himself if the cumbersome machine headed his way. 

His suspicions as to the intentions of Ferd to run him down seemed wellfounded, for, pretending to be unable to control the heavy machine, therider came lunging directly at the standing boy, who would have beenstruck only for a quick leap to one side, by means of which he avoided acollision. 

But alas! the edge of the road was closer than Ferd had calculated onwhen maliciously endeavoring to give the pedestrian a scare, and as aconsequence the motor-cycle plunged down into the ditch. 

Ferd managed through a quick effort to leap off his seat just in time toavoid being overwhelmed in the disaster. 

He scrambled to his feet choking with both dust and anger. 

His beautiful machine lay with its front buried in the water of theditch, and the sight was so disagreeable that Ferd seemed to lose whatlittle discretion he generally boasted. 

"There, see what you've done, Dick Morrison!" he exclaimed, fiercely. 

"Well, now, I like that, " answered the other, hardly knowing whether tolaugh or show indignation; "you try to run me down, and when I step outof the way to avoid an upset you accuse me of having had a hand in themess. Why did you jump off when by a twist of the handlebars you couldhave saved the machine? Suppose you blame yourself, not me. "

"But you saw that I had lost control, and if you'd only wanted you couldhave stopped its plunge; but you'd rather see me get into a peck oftrouble. How d'ye suppose I'm ever going to lug that heavy thing back upto the road now?" demanded Ferd, spitefully. 

"Oh! I don't mind giving you a hand at that. I hate to see such a finemachine lying in the mud like a mired cow, " declared Dick, cheerfully. 

Ferd looked at him dubiously, as though his spirit urged him to declinethe generous offer of assistance made by one he chose to regard as hisenemy; but the road was lonely, no one might come along for some time tohelp him, and the motor-cycle was too heavy for him to drag out of thehole unassisted. 

So he swallowed his pride, and grudgingly allowed Dick to take hold onone side while he dragged at the other, and in this fashion the machinewas speedily placed once more on dry land. 

Of course it was pretty well soiled, and did not look very much like thespick-and-span new wheel that a few days back had been the envy of everyboy in Riverview. 

Dick, who could not bear to see anything abused, immediately snatched upa handful of grass from the side of the road under the fence, andcommenced to wipe the worst of the muck away. 

"Never mind bothering yourself about that; I guess I can attend to itwhen I get home. It wouldn't have happened anyway if I hadn't met you onthe road, " said Ferd, with a return of his bitterness. 

Dick looked at him queerly, and then threw down the rough wiper he hadbeen using. 

"I guess you're right. And as I didn't do anything to trouble you itlooks as if you just wanted to knock me into the ditch. It's a case ofthe biter bitten, Ferd. When you see me helping you pull your oldmachine out of the ditch again you'll know it. "

Filled with indignation he turned and walked rapidly away, leaving theother looking after him, still angry and yet perhaps somewhat ashamed inthe bargain. 

This was not the first time these two lads found themselves facing oneanother with fire in their eyes. 

In school they seemed to be constantly ranged on opposite sides, andthe rivalry had extended into many of the natural pastimes indulged inby growing boys, from baseball in the summer to football in the autumnand skating and hockey in the winter. 

The rivalry seemed unequal from one point of view, since Ferd was theonly son of Archibald Graylock, proprietor of the big department storein the town, and known as a wealthy man; while Dick lived in an humblecottage with his mother, a widow, and their circumstances had beengrowing more and more straightened during the last year, so that ourhero was seriously contemplating giving up all hope of attending schoolagain in the fall, and seeking a position. 

Dick's father had been a carpenter known for his many good qualities; hehad by frugality and prudence saved a sum which had been invested as hethought judiciously, and would serve as a means of support to his littlefamily in case anything happened to him. 

Seriously injured in an accident he had lingered for nearly a year andthen been taken, leaving the mother and son to face the world. Forseveral years things went along smoothly, for Mrs. Morrison was anexcellent housekeeper, and could make a dollar go a great ways withoutappearing to be niggardly; but unexpected misfortune overtook them, andthe company in which most of the carpenter's savings had been investedstruck a reef, so that not only did the little income cease from thissource but there was danger that the principal might also be lost. 

This was the serious condition of affairs in Dick's home at the time hemet his bitter rival on the road; he had been buried in thought, tryingto see what his duty might be, and as he continued on after leaving Ferdhe endeavored to forget the unpleasant incident, and resume hisplanning. 

Chances for work were not very abundant in and around Riverview. 

Dick knew little about farming, and besides, even though he shouldsecure a job in that line he was aware that most farmers insisted upontheir help being on the ground all the time, as they had to get out longbefore daylight to feed the stock, and since he could not leave hismother alone he had to pass any such opportunity by. 

There was the bank of which Mr. Gibbs was president; he had alwaysyearned to do something along that line; but having no experience he hadnever dared apply for a position there, though envying Charles Doty, whoran messages and made himself generally useful in the bank, "learningthe ropes, so that in time he could step into Mr. Gibbs' shoes, " as heused often to say with pride. 

For a lad with business ambitions there remained only the two grocerystores, and the grand emporium conducted by Mr. Graylock, an institutionhe chose to call a department store, and which covered quite a largespace of ground. 

Strange to say Dick had just been making up his mind to call on thislatter enterprising merchant and solicit an opening, at the time he metthe hopeful son on the road, and had another disagreeable experiencewith Ferd; indeed, it seemed as though they could never come togetherwithout some trouble arising, though Dick had resolved time and againthat he would not be the first to pick a quarrel. 

Now he reflected that it was almost useless approaching Mr. Graylock, for he felt sure that the gentleman must have heard about the time whenhe and Ferd engaged in a rough and tumble fight on the baseball field, after the other had deliberately struck him, and called him a cowardbecause he was so slow to take off his coat and engage in a combat thatproved to be rather gory for Ferd--yes, he _knew_ this must be the case, for his mother had looked serious for some little time, and he heardthat the rich man was seen leaving their humble cottage one afternoonwhile he was away. 

So he felt undecided as to what he should attempt, and all the way homehe pondered over the situation, determined to do something to chase awaythe look of concern which every now and then he saw gathering on hismother's gentle face, when she did not dream that he was observing her. 

"She doesn't want me to know how hard things are growing, " he mused. "She thinks of me all the time, and is the dearest little mother in theworld. I'd give up anything for her, and I'm going to find a positionsomewhere, somehow. That's settled. There's got to be more money comingin through the door of the Morrisons, and it's up to Richard to set thestream in motion. "

His resolution was all very well, but it was not so easy to decide wherethis fountain could be tapped that was to pour its tiny golden streaminto their almost empty reservoir. 

Again and again he shook his head resolutely as he trudged along, andthe expression on his face was that of one who has made up his mind andwill not allow himself to be turned aside by any obstacle; it was thelook of a _winner_, and when his mates saw Dick Morrison set his teethin that determined way they knew he was bound to lead his side tovictory, no matter what the opposition. 

Dick presently drew near the little cottage in which he and his motherhad lived ever since he could remember, and which, with its flowergarden, was as pretty a spot as one could find along the river road justoutside the town. 

Thinking only of showing a cheery face to the one who had ever been hisbest friend and counsellor on earth he tried to forget his worries, andstarting to whistle merrily opened the gate and passed up the walk. 

CHAPTER II

A MOTHER WORTH FIGHTING FOR

Perhaps had Dick been less noisy as he came up the walk he might havecaught his mother in tears; for he felt sure he detected the signs ofrecent weeping upon her thin face as he entered and threw the package hewas carrying on the table. 

"I'm glad you found Mrs. Oliver at home, " said Mrs. Morrison, "and shehad the work ready. I can start on it to-night, and perhaps finish thewhole thing this week, " and she opened the package, and examined thegoods that had been in the wrapper. 

"You're working too hard as it is, mother, " said Dick, putting an armaround her and looking up into her face, "and I've determined that thissort of thing just can't go on any longer. "

"What do you mean, my son?" she asked. "You know that since I am a goodneedle-woman and the times are so hard with us just at present, I amfortunate to be able to get work from several of the ladies aroundRiverview. Perhaps it will not have to be for long, Dick, dear. "

"I know it won't if I have any say in the matter. You're sitting upevery night sewing long after I've gone to bed. Why, one night, youremember I woke up and it was after twelve, yet you were still sewing. You are getting thin and careworn, mother. Do you think I don't noticeit? And do you imagine I can stand it right along? There has got to be achange, that's all. I've made my mind up. "

She looked into his resolute face, and seeing the love that shone in hiseyes felt that after all her burdens could not be so hard when Heavenhad given her such a stalwart son to be the staff of her old age. 

"And what have you decided, Dick? Will you get after that company andforce them to begin paying dividends again? I think that would be ablessing to more widows than one; but I'm afraid it would prove a taskbeyond your strength, dear, " she said, patting him on the head as hestood beside her, almost three inches taller than his mother. 

"No, I don't think I could manage that, but there is one thing I can andwill do and that is to find a job, so that I can be bringing insomething every week to help out. Then you needn't sit up at night asyou do. Please don't say anything against it, mother. I've made up mymind to it. The vacation has begun, and unless things take a turn forthe better, school and Dick Morrison have parted company for good. I'monly sorry I don't seem to have inherited any of father's genius fortools, or I could get a position as an assistant to Mr. Plane, thecarpenter. But I've been considering the situation, and I'm going tofind some way to bring in a few dollars each week, even if I have to setout to be a fisherman. "

She smiled with pride, and in that moment the fond mother did not envythe wife of the rich department store keeper who rode about in hercarriage and delighted to let other people realize just how small andmean they appeared in her sight. 

"Well, it is nice to hear you say all that, Richard, for it tells methat your heart is true, and that no matter what befalls I can depend onmy boy's love. But there's no use crossing a river before we come to it. I shall offer no opposition to you doing any honest work that comes yourway during vacation; and if times have not improved when school opensagain, I suppose I must endure the thought of your continuing on. Youhave always been a lucky fisherman, and what you bring home has been sosweet and palatable that it seems to me you could easily find purchasersfor all you could catch, " she said, leaving him, to begin to look afterthe supper that was cooking on the stove. 

"Only if everything else fails can I try that, " he explained. "You seeone can't depend on the fish to do their part of the contract. Some daysthey refuse to bite at all, and then other days are stormy. But I've gotseveral ideas that I'm bound to try out, and I'm going to startto-morrow. "

That was all he said, for Dick never liked to boast in advance of whathe expected to accomplish, having learned from sad experience that veryoften a snag is apt to sink the craft freighted with hopes, and whenleast expected. 

He busied himself setting the table, while his mother lighted the lampand prepared to serve their frugal meal. 

It was a time of year when very little came in from the small gardenthat lay back of the house, and which they took care of in common, Dickdoing all the hard work and his mother some of the weeding; later onthey expected that the proceeds from this patch would provide many agood meal, should the weather smile upon their united efforts. 

Being naturally a boy who looked upon the bright side of things, as ahealthy lad might be expected to do, Dick had proved a blessing to hismother times without number. 

He laughed and chatted as they sat at the table, and for the time beingthe poor little woman really forgot that there was such a thing asanxiety in this world. 

Even the little encounter with Ferd was related with more or less humor;and yet while Mrs. Morrison found herself compelled to smile at Dick'squaint description of the way in which Ferd over-leaped himself, at thesame time a shade of worry crept over her face. 

"Oh! I hope he will not tell his father about it and try to lay theblame on your shoulders, " she said, sighing. 

"But why should he, mother? I had nothing to do with it, and never eventouched his old motor-cycle until I offered to help him get it out ofthe ditch? Now you never told me that Mr. Graylock came around tocomplain about me that other time, but I guessed it all the same. It wasjust like him to threaten that he would do something awful if I ever puta hand on his precious son again. Poor little fellow, he's only threeinches taller than me. You know I told you all about that trouble at thetime, mother?" he expostulated, indignantly. 

"Yes, yes, so you did, my son, and I told Mr. Graylock that you couldnot have been to blame--that after all it was only a boyish dispute, andno serious damage had been done. He called you a bully and a terror, andsaid he would make an example of you if it ever happened again. Oh! hefrightened me so. "

"The old wretch, to come and talk that way to a lady, and she a widow, too. What do you suppose father would have done to him if he had beenalive? Nearly every boy there will tell you I refused to fight up to thetime he struck me in the face and called me mean names. Then Icommenced. Perhaps I did hit him a little harder than I should, but Iwas stirred up, and meant to teach him to leave me alone after that. Iguess I did it all right, " and Dick, boy-like, smiled grimly as, inimagination he could see the deplorable condition of his antagonist whenFerd humbly admitted that he had had enough. 

"But you see it happened that his father met him on the road while hisface was all covered with blood. It was only because he had been struckon the nose; but it looked terrible to his father, and angered him. Ihope you will not have any trouble with that ill-natured boy again, son, " she said, earnestly. 

"I never want to, mother, nor with any fellow; but there's a limit evento the patience of Job. Father always taught me never to seek a quarrel;but at the same time never to run away from one like a coward. I try tofollow his advice, mother. "

"Yes, I am sure you do. And your father was a peaceable man; yet I canremember once or twice when he took off his coat and thrashed a bullyuntil he howled for mercy. In fact, to tell the truth, that was the wayI first made his acquaintance as a boy, for he came to my assistancewhen a big ruffian of an overgrown coward had stopped me on the road anddeclared he was going to kiss me. Of course I screamed and your father, then a lad learning the carpenter trade, jumped from the roof of akitchen near by and came to my rescue. "

She laughed as the recollection came back to her mind, and once againshe could see the young man she had loved for many years standing up asher knight; Dick too looked pleased at hearing how the father heremembered so well had been ready to defend the right. 

"I don't think Ferd will say anything about this last little adventure. You see his father was opposed to his getting that motor-cycle, for hesaid it would be just like Ferd to have an accident, and perhaps get hisneck broken. And to tell the truth, a little later on if nothing elseturns up I mean to try and get work in Mr. Graylock's store. It's a busyplace, and he might give me a chance. He's a deacon in the church, andI've often heard him tell how all of us ought to heap coals of fire onour enemy's head by doing him a good turn. I'm going to put him to thetest, mother. Perhaps he may turn out better than we think, who knows?"

"I hope so, dear. I like to think the best of all men; but Mr. Graylockis most unreasonable when angered. "

After supper Dick insisted upon his mother sitting down to rest while hewashed the few dishes; it was a regular employment with him; not that heliked the job, but it gave him satisfaction to know that he wasrelieving her from some of the drudgery of the housework. 

Later on he busied himself in looking over a lot of fishlines and hooks, since he was bent upon carrying out his scheme for business in casenothing better came up on the morrow. 

No one knew better than Dick where the fish lay, and his success insecuring a string of the finny beauties had long been the envy of hismates; he had always loved to study the habits of the bass and otherdenizens of the little river that gave the pretty town its name; and itwas really this knowledge that brought about his reward when others wenthome almost empty-handed. 

He lay awake a long time that night, looking out of his window at thebright star that had for many a year peeped in through the window of hislittle room, and in some way cheered him by its twinkling; he laid manyplans for the immediate future, and somehow just the thought of thesmile upon the careworn face of his little mother seemed an inspiration, urging him to greater efforts. 

Thus he pictured the day when he would be successful in business, andwhen want would no longer confront them at the door; when he couldsurround this dear one with all the comforts and perhaps some of theluxuries that other women delighted in, and with such noble ambitionssoothing him Dick finally fell asleep. 

CHAPTER III

DICK'S FIRST WAGES

Immediately after breakfast on the following morning Dick started outupon his search for employment. 

He did not know how far he might have to tramp in scouring thesurrounding country, and so asked his mother to let him put him up a"snack" which would help to tide him over the noon hour, if he happenedto be at a distance from home. 

As he turned and looking back waved his hand to her just as he hadalways done since the first day he went to school, she felt that it washard indeed that her boy should have to be thrown on the world to make aliving when others among his schoolmates had pleasant homes, andwell-to-do parents to care for them. 

But Dick never allowed himself to look at things in that way; he feltwithin him the spirit to do and dare that leads to success if persistedin, and he was grimly determined not to allow himself feel anydiscouragement even should he meet with failure right and left. 

He had heard just the preceding day that the miller down the river roadwas looking for a boy to assist him, since his son was sick, and it wastoward the quaint old mill, driven by water from the little river, thathe first of all turned his steps. 

As he trudged along about half a mile beyond the outskirts of the townhe discovered a vehicle some little distance ahead, apparently stalled. 

Something had happened, for the driver was on the ground and appeared tobe busy trying to mend a break in the harness, or something still moreserious. 

As he drew nearer Dick saw first of all that the man was Mr. Cartwright, the miller, the very man he was intending to see, and the next thing henoticed was that the loaded wagon was tilted on one side, showing that awheel must have given away, threatening a complete collapse. 

He hurried up, wondering if his lucky star might not be in the ascendantjust then, the opportunity to get in the good graces of the millerseeming so good. 

The dusty miller was scratching his head in puzzled wonder at just theminute Dick arrived on the scene. 

"Good morning, Mr. Cartwright. You seem to have met with an accident, "remarked the boy, as he came alongside. 

The man looked up with interest, to show more or less disappointmentwhen he found that it was only a boy who had arrived. 

"It's you, is it, Dick? Yes, I've broken down at last. Twenty years moreor less I've carried loads back and forth between my mill and the town, and never once in all that time have I had such an accident. The wheelis giving way. If I try to go on it will smash entirely, and perhapspart of my load be thrown off. How to get home is a question I am tryingto decide. I hate to unload. If I had another wheel and a jack here Imight get around the trouble. "

"I could get them for you, sir; or if you thought best we could take arail from the fence here and use it to hold up the load while you crepthome. It isn't a great way off, you know, " remarked Dick, quickly. 

"Do you think we could fix it with a rail lashed under the axle? I'veseen it done with an empty wagon but never with a full one, " exclaimedthe miller, brightening up. 

"By changing a part of the load, and throwing it over on the side wherethere are two sound wheels I think it could be managed, sir, " repliedDick, and there was such an air of conviction about his smiling facethat the miller seemed to be convinced even against his own judgment. 

"Well, now, it might go, and I've half a mind to try it. Can you give mea hand, Dick, or are you in a hurry?" he asked. 

 [Illustration: "CAN YOU GIVE ME A HAND, DICK, OR ARE YOU IN A HURRY?" HE ASKED. _Dick the Bank Boy_ _Page 19_]

"No hurry at all, sir, and only too glad to help you if I can, " and ina jiffy he had hurried to the fence, selected the stoutest rail insight, and was back again at the side of the man who was in trouble. 

They first of all shifted the cargo as much as possible, so as to throwthe greater part of the weight on the left side of the wagon, thusrelieving the strain on the broken wheel. 

Fortunately the miller had plenty of rope along under his seat, andafter they had united their strength to raise that end of the wagon bymeans of other rails, the one that had been selected as a drag wassecurely lashed into place. 

Thus the broken wheel did not come in contact with the road, and whenthe patient old horse was set in motion the vehicle shuffled along aftera fashion. 

"The missus'll think I'm coming home like a whipped dog with his tailbetween his legs, but it's a case of any port in a storm, and I'm gladto get back without throwing off this whole load. I'm sure obliged toyou, Dick, for the lift you gave me, and I won't forget it either. P'raps some day I can pay it back. "

Of course that was the proper time to strike, while the iron was hot, and Dick knew it well enough. 

"Why, I was just on my way here to see you, Mr. Cartwright. I heard thatyou wanted some one to assist you, and as I'm looking for work Ithought I'd apply for the job. I'm strong, and I think able to do whatyou want, " he hastened to say. 

The miller looked at him with a smile. 

"Well, now, I'd like to give you work first rate, Dick, boy; after theway you fixed me up this morning I reckon you're a right handy sort of aboy to have around. But you see I expect my son Toby to be well enoughin a few days to get onto his regular business again. If you cared totackle the work till then I'd sure be glad to have you. It's my busytime, and I'm falling behind every day. You could be a great help to me, only the job is apt to be a short one, " he remarked. 

"It might help out, Mr. Cartwright. You know my mother is in troubleover that investment, and times are going hard with us. I mean to get towork at once, and try to make it easier for her. I'll take the job whileit lasts, sir, " and he threw off his coat with a business-like air thatpleased the old miller. 

"But see here, Dick, we ain't made no terms. I paid Toby twenty a month, and his board. Would a dollar and a quarter a day satisfy you, son? Aspecial job like this always commands higher wages, you know, " heinquired, eagerly, for he had been wondering how he could keep up withhis orders while shorthanded. 

"It suits me first-rate, sir. Only wish it would keep right along--notthat I would like to have Toby sick you understand. And, now if you willshow me just what I'm to start on I'll get to work. "

"Say, I like that kind of talk. I reckon you and me will pull togetherall right, Dick. I knowed your father many years, and if so be the boyhas got some of his grit and go in his make-up there ain't no fear buthe'll get there. "

It filled Dick with a sense of deepest satisfaction to realize that hewas actually earning real money; and again and again he pictured thelook of happiness that he knew would flash over the face of his motherwhen he told her of his success; of course the job was only a temporaryone, but then it certainly seemed like the harbinger of other goodthings to come. 

He whistled at his work, and the miller thought this merry-hearted ladwas worth having around as an inspiration, even though he might not beas sturdy a worker as his big-muscled Toby. 

But Dick was possessed of indomitable pluck, and after he grew a littleaccustomed to the work he thoroughly satisfied his employer. 

At noon he heard a conch shell blown, and washing up as Mr. Cartwrighthad directed him, he proceeded to the house, where he sat down to abountiful spread that was certainly a joyous sight in the eyes of ahungry boy. 

He only wished the little mother were sitting beside him instead of bigToby, now well on the road to recovery. 

And all that afternoon, when he felt tired from the unusual employmentof his muscles, he cheered himself up with the thought of how proud hewould be to place that first dollar and a quarter in the hand of thewaiting little woman in the cottage by the river bank--for it was one ofthe miller's peculiarities to do a cash business, and pay any oneworking for him each day after the hour for stopping arrived. 

It was a tiresome walk back to town and then out home, but Dick strodealong with a light heart, and having changed his mind about hishomecoming stopped in town to buy something in the way of grocerieswhich he knew would fill a long-felt want at home. 

In the gloaming then he arrived, to find his mother beginning to grownervous over his long absence; and only when her arms were about hisneck he told of his success in obtaining work. 

Doubly sweet was the humble fare that night, for he felt that he hadreally done his part toward the support of the Morrison family, and thathe was in a fair road toward filling that place at the head made vacantby the death of his father. 

CHAPTER IV

IN SEARCH OF A JOB

The job with the miller lasted just five days. 

Then Toby, having declared himself ready to take up his duties, Mr. Cartwright was compelled to let Dick go, for he really had no need ofhis help, since things were running in their natural channel, all theback work having been cleaned up under the energetic push of youngMorrison. 

"I'm really sorry to lose you, Dick, boy. You've done all right, and ifI ever have need of a helper again I'd like nothing better than to callon you. If I hear of an opening I'll sure let you know, " the millersaid, that evening as he placed the last pay in the boy's hand. 

Mrs. Cartwright had taken considerable interest in all she had heardabout Dick from her husband, and being a woman of discernment she knewthat a boy who was so fond of his mother as he seemed to be could not govery far wrong in life. 

She came out to shake hands with him, and she carried a package too thatshe gave into his charge. 

"It's a new kind of cake I've been trying lately. My sister away out inBoston sent me the recipe. Tell her I want her to try it, and if shewants the directions I'll be glad to send 'em to her. Good-bye, Dick. Ihope you find a good steady job soon. Come in and see us whenever youhappen to be passing, and if it's nigh dinner time we'll be glad to haveyou jine us. "

Dick felt that he had indeed made good friends in this, his firstposition, and the thought brought with it such solid satisfaction thathe determined to profit by the circumstance in the future; he was youngin years but already he had begun to see that one cannot have too manyfriends and well wishers in life. 

Once again he was grappling with the problem as to what he should do inorder to continue this method of assisting to lighten the many burdensthat had fallen on the shoulders of his mother. 

Just as he neared the town he heard a great spluttering behind him andstepped aside to allow the party on the motor-cycle to pass; as hesuspected it was Ferd Graylock returning from a little whirl around thecountry, and cutting his customary wide swathe along the road. 

He happened to recognize Dick as he swept by with a popping from theexhaust, and shutting off power applied the brake so that he came to astop. 

Dick was surprised and a little annoyed. 

He hoped that Ferd did not mean to be as disagreeable as usual, andperhaps force him into a war of words, or even worse; and rememberingwhat he had promised the anxious little inmate of the rose cottage, heshut his teeth hard with the firm determination not to be drawn into arow if it could possibly be avoided. 

As he walked on he presently came up to where the other stood, with onefoot on the ground, balancing his machine and ready to go on againslowly, pedalling as Dick tramped. 

"Hello! Dick. Thought that was you. You jumped just in time or I mighthave hit you a nasty blow. Fact is I was forgetting that the beastly oldtown was so close by. Hear you've been working down at old Cartwright'smill. Got a steady job?"

Dick was surprised at being spoken to in this fashion by the one whom hehad grown to look upon as his inveterate enemy, and who in the past hadnever addressed him save to utter some sneering insult; could it be thatafter all there was a spark of decency in Ferd, and that when he came toreflect on how shabbily he had treated the boy who had shown suchwillingness to help him drag his motor-cycle out of the ditch, he was alittle ashamed of his actions?

Dick was quick to seize the olive branch, though rather skeptical withregard to what it could really mean. 

"I have been working there five days, and would like to keep rightalong only Toby has got well enough to go on his job again. Now I mustlook around and see if I can find something else to do, for I've got tobring in some money to help out at home, you know, " he replied. 

He could see the sneer upon Ferd's lip, for that young man had neverearned one cent in all his life, and foolishly looked down upon theunfortunate boy whom fortune compelled to face the world and wrest hisliving from it. 

"I was thinking of you when I heard my governor say he wanted more help. Perhaps you might strike a job there. I'll even put in a good word foryou to-night. Of course you understand that I'm not doing this because Ilike you any better than before, but you did me a half decent turnyesterday, and I'm not the one to forget it. Besides I don't want to seea dog starve if I can help him by raising my hand. Come around and seethe old man to-morrow, and perhaps he'll offer you something. "

The cool patronizing manner of the fellow when he said this galled Dickexceedingly, and had it been only himself whom he had to consider hewould have snapped his fingers in Ferd's face. 

But then he reflected that the other was doing him what he considered avery great favor, and that of late he had had that old saying to theeffect that "beggars should not be choosers" rubbed into his soul. 

So he crushed down the natural feeling of resentment that arose in hisheart, and tried to act as though he were really grateful for the crumbthrown down to him with such scorn. 

"That's good of you to think of me at all, Ferd. I'll see your fatherto-morrow without fail. I hope he can offer me a job that will give mesomething like the sum Mr. Cartwright has been paying me, " he replied, quietly. 

"How much was that?" asked the other, contemptuously. 

"At the rate of seven dollars and a half a full week, " answered Dick. 

Ferd whistled to signify his skepticism. 

"You're yarning, Dick. I don't believe he gave you half that. Anyhow, I'm dead sure dad'll never think of paying such big wages. He can getall the help he needs at three dollars a week, " remarked Ferd, preparingto start up his machine and go ahead, since his object had beenaccomplished, and he had the peculiar satisfaction of knowing that hehad after a fashion put that upstart Dick Morrison down a peg or twoeven while making himself out to be a generous, forgiving fellow. 

Dick saw him speed away with a renewed splutter and a cloud of dust, while to himself he was saying:

"Three dollars a week will never satisfy me just now. I am strong enoughto be earning a dollar a day on a farm, and we have too big a need ofthe money to take a position at less. I can make more than that fishing, counting the good days and the bad as they run. And I'm afraid theremight be trouble for me if once Archibald Graylock had me under histhumb. He would find some opportunity to accuse me of something I hadn'tdone and discharge me in disgrace. I'll go and see him all right, but ifwe fail to come to terms I won't be much disappointed. I'll keepeverlastingly at it until I strike my gait, just as Grant did when hewas fighting the battles of the Wilderness. And I'm going to get there, I must, _I will_!"

Again he stopped in town to make some purchases. 

The store of Ezra Squires was well patronized, for he kept a pretty fairassortment of necessities in the line of groceries, sometimes exchangingtea and coffee with the country people for butter and eggs, which heshipped into Boston when he had a quantity. 

Ezra and Dick had never gotten on very well together somehow. 

To tell the truth, the grocer had once played a very small game with thewidow, and when Dick learned of it he had come and told Mr. Squires justwhat he thought of such contemptible actions; at the time severalpersons heard all that was said, and Ezra felt that he was in rather badodor in certain circles. 

That was a good while back, and people had forgotten the circumstances;but he had never quite forgiven the lad who in defense of his mother hadso boldly taken him to task before some of his customers. 

Ezra had a small nature, and it harbored the spirit of a mean revenge;so that he was forever looking for a chance to get even with the boy. 

"You don't happen to want any help, Mr. Squires, " asked Dick, as he wasabout to leave the store, and the old man came to the door to open it, seeing how the boy was laden down with bundles. 

"Not just now. I might be changing any time, though, that Abner is soretryin' on a man's patience. He never does anything right, it seems, "replied the other, looking at Dick keenly. 

"What wages do you pay, in case you needed anyone, and I applied for thejob?"

"Four dollars and find yourself, and no snacking in the store out of thecracker barrel and cheese bin, " came the quick response. 

"It strikes me that's pretty small pay for the long hours here, and theheavy work you require, " remarked Dick. 

"Kin get lots of help at that price. This ain't Boston, you understand, and wages is low in Riverview. I'm not askin' anybody to come here. IfAbner goes there'll be jest a dozen arter his job in an hour, " repliedthe grocer, sarcastically. 

"Perhaps there will, but you won't find me among them, Mr. Squires. I'mwilling to work and work hard, but I think a fellow deserves a livingwage. You can't get a woman to come and wash for you at less than adollar a day, and they talk of putting the price up a quarter. What arethe hours here?"

"I guess it don't interest you any, young feller. Seems like you be toohigh-toned fur this sorter work. Might try the bank and see what Mr. Harvey Gibbs kin offer you, " and so saying Ezra slammed the door shutbehind Dick, thus bringing to a termination the interview that was notproving very pleasant to him personally. 

"Perhaps I am too high in my notions; perhaps my first job has spoiledme for a three dollar a week position, but it does seem as though allthe chances open to me are going to come from the few men I'd hate to bewith above all others. Well, I'll make a try of it to-morrow, and ifthere's nothing in sight I know where I can dig some good bait, and theweather promises to be fine for fishing. "

So talking to himself Dick set out for home, fairly well satisfied withhis beginning as a business man; it was an humble opening to be sure, assisting a miller run his grist, but the work was interesting and thepay had not only been good but he had made friends that might prove ofbenefit to him at some future day. 

CHAPTER V

MR. GRAYLOCK RECEIVES A SURPRISE

While they were eating supper that evening and Dick had told his motherall that had happened during the day, not forgetting the contemptiblewords of the close-fisted grocer, he noticed that she looked even ashade sadder than usual. 

"What has happened to make you feel badly, mother?" he asked, catchingher eyes at last. 

"I did not mean to tell you until after supper, my boy, but since youhave been so observing I suppose I must do it now, " she replied, turninga bit red. 

"Then I was right, and something has upset you. Have you had a letter?"

She nodded her head in the affirmative. 

"From the lawyer you engaged to look up that company?"

"Yes, from Mr. Brief. He writes that so far as he can see just atpresent there is no prospect for the company resuming the paying ofdividends. He says that it is a dull time in the manufacturing business, and it may be months, perhaps a year or so before things come aroundagain, " she replied, trying hard to keep the tears back. 

"Still, there is no fear of the company going to smash, is there, sothat you would lose all you have invested there?" persisted Dick. 

"Mr. Brief says he does not really fear that. He also writes that wemight be able to sell our stock, but since it would have to besacrificed just now most shamefully he advised that we hold on as longas we can. If it comes to a point of desperation I am to let him know, and he will do the best he can for me. "

"Well, I wouldn't let that worry me, mother. I consider it so muchbetter news than I expected that I feel like shouting. We will hold out!I'm going to help you right along now. And some fine day we'll wake upto hear that the old company has blossomed out again bigger than ever, and that our stock is worth just twice what it was before. I've readabout these games they play to freeze people out. If I'm going to takefather's place you must let me see that letter. I want to be posted onall that is going on. "

After that sort of talk Mrs. Morrison could no longer feel that newtrouble had descended upon them; so bringing out the lawyer's letter sheand her boy talked it all over, and between the lines she now discoveredmany a ray of hope that had not appeared there when she sat, alone anddispirited, reading it for the first time. 

It was really impossible to give way to despondency while Dick Morrisonwas in close touch with one; he had such a sunny nature and always choseto look on the bright side of things that somehow he seemed to transfersome of his optimism to those with whom he came in contact. 

And so the little woman, when she retired, felt that the spirit of hisfather had indeed descended to the son, and that she need not have anyfear with regard to Dick making his way in the world. 

As he had promised himself, Dick applied to Mr. Graylock in the morningfor a position. 

The big store was not very busy at that time, most of their trade comingin the afternoon and evening, so that he found the proprietor in hisoffice engaged in dictating letters to a girl stenographer. 

When he had finished he beckoned to Dick to come into his cubby-hole denwhere an opening afforded him a chance to keep his eye on all that wasgoing on in the store, from bookkeepers to the clerks behind the variouscounters. 

Mr. Archibald Graylock was a very stern and harsh man, with an eye thatseemed to penetrate to the very soul of the party with whom he heldconverse. 

Those in his employ led a dog's life of it, for he would brook notrifling, and from the time they entered the door until they left notone minute could they call their own; no one might tell just when thatcold, calculating green eye was fixed upon them; so there never was theleast sign of skylarking or even friendly communion in that bigestablishment while the proprietor was present, and that meant prettymuch the live-long day, and every day in the week. 

Dick had never liked him; no one else did for that matter, though manypeople toadied to Mr. Graylock simply because he was reputed to be oneof the richest merchants in Riverview. 

And since he had heard how this man had, like a big bully, frightenedhis poor little mother with his ugly threats, Dick disliked him morethan ever; but since he had come here seeking employment he knew that itwould be foolish for him to give any indication of such a feeling. 

"Sit down there, boy, " said the big man, indicating with a lordlygesture a chair so placed that while he talked he could also keep an eyeon the store by means of that special opening. 

When he spoke in a bragging or a bullying tone Archibald Graylock wasaccustomed to elevating his voice so that the men at the bookkeepers'desk could easily hear all he said; perhaps he could not help being loudin his ways, but there were those who said he did it simply to make animpression on his employees, and show the groveling worms what a greatman they served. 

Dick sat down, holding his hat between his hands, and not feeling at allconfident that he would have even a chance to accept any offer at thehands of this nabob of Riverview, for he fancied that Mr. Graylock, byhis frown, meant to simply make use of the opportunity to read him alecture, haul him over the coals, and then perhaps publicly insult him. 

"My son tells me you are in want of employment, and also that hemagnanimously chose to overlook the many times you have gone out of yourway to do spiteful things to him, to tell you to come and see me. Isthis so, boy?" exclaimed the magnate, tapping his pencil savagely on hisdesk as though he were pounding in a moral lesson that it would well payDick to heed. 

"He told me to see you, yes, sir; and I am looking for some employmentso that I can assist my mother meet expenses. You know thecircumstances, perhaps, Mr. Graylock, and how nearly all we have is tiedup in a big manufacturing company that has closed its plant for aseason, so that our dividends are cut off. That makes it hard formother, and I am determined to get a job somewhere that will go part waytoward paying our bills. "

Dick spoke as respectfully as he possibly could, although there was notthe least sign of encouragement in the manner of the other. 

"Yes, I happen to know more about that circumstance than most people, for I did my best to induce Morrison to go in with me and found thislucrative business. If he had done so he might to-day have been awealthy man; or at least his widow would be beyond all want. But everyone isn't gifted with the same amount of business acumen. A few willalways find their way to the top. Now, I consider that you are showing aspirit of humility in coming to me to beg a position in my employ. Probably you regret that you have in the past been such a rowdy, andwill endeavor to change your ways once you come under my jurisdiction. We have a reputation to sustain in this establishment, young man. Youwould have to try and be a gentleman here. Take a lesson from my son, who so nobly forgave your boorish actions, and hearing that you and yourmother were in want kindly interceded with me to forget the past. Icannot disappoint such a charitable spirit, and I am about to take youinto my employ at the advice of Ferdinand. Can you start to work atonce, Richard?"

The boy had turned red and then white as he heard these phrases utteredin the loud voice of the magnate. Of course those men at the long deskcaught every word, and perhaps half the clerks in the store as well, though no one dared so much as raise their eyes to glance that way. 

Indignant at his treatment Dick arose from his seat. 

"What wages do you pay, Mr. Graylock?" he asked, though positive that hecould never under any circumstances work for this pompous and cruelman. 

"We have been giving two and a half a week, but since you are older thanthe last boy we had I shall make your wages three. You will ask for Mr. Jones, and he can put you to work?" replied the other, with a wave ofthe hand meant to indicate that the interview was ended, and that hecould spare no more of his valuable time on so trivial a subject. 

"I guess I won't take the job, Mr. Graylock. I have been getting sevenand a half working for Mr. Cartwright, the miller. If I meet any boy whowill fill your bill I'll send him in to see you. Good day, sir, " and sosaying Dick walked out of the office, leaving the big man staring afterhim as though he had received a severe shock. 

As he passed by the row of busy bookkeepers Dick caught a chuckle fromone, while another, under cover of his big open ledger thrust out hishand and seizing on the sleeve of Dick's coat gave it several littlenudges as if trying to indicate how thoroughly they enjoyed hisindependent way of taking the supercilious nabob down a peg, for no onein his employ dared to call his soul his own; if he had, he would neverhave remained there a single day. 

Dick had not intended to be impudent, even though the arrogant manner inwhich Mr. Graylock had patronized him, and compared him to hisdisadvantage with his paragon of a son, had cut him to the quick. 

He felt certain he would have been even more unhappy in thatestablishment than if he had taken service with Ezra Squires. 

Still Dick would not allow himself to feel cast down; these two men didnot constitute the whole business section of Riverview, and somehow hebelieved that in good time he would surely come upon a congenial placewhere he might receive living wages for his best work, and not feel thathe was in the employ of a tyrant. 

CHAPTER VI

BOUND FOR THE OLD FISHING HOLE

While he was at it Dick visited every place where he fancied there wasthe least chance of finding an opening. 

The result was not very encouraging. 

In nearly every instance he was greeted with a negative shake of thehead, and the information that since the dull summer season was at hand, instead of taking on more help the chances were there would be lessrequired. 

When he came to the substantial stone building in which the bank ofHarvey Gibbs had its quarters, he hesitated, and heaved a sigh, for itseemed folly to think of venturing in there, much as he yearned to go. 

And as he stood taking a longing look through the fine plate glasswindows where he could see several men at work on the books, and thecashier just getting ready to wait on the first customer of the morning, who should come tripping along the street but consequential CharlesDoty, the boy who ran messages for the bank, and made himself generallyuseful between times, looking toward the time when he was to be elevatedto the president's chair, as he often whimsically declared. 

Charles was prone to indulge in early morning naps, and there were timeswhen he could be seen sneaking into the bank long after he was supposedto be at work. Still, he could stir himself when the necessity arose, and thus far had managed to hold his position. 

At sight of Dick looking so longingly into the bank he was brought to asudden halt, and something like suspicion flashed into his eyes. 

Doubtless he knew of the other's yearning toward the life of a bankclerk, and it may be that he feared Dick was about to try and supplanthim in the job he had been holding so long. 

At any rate Charles, though already late, thought it good policy to stopand engage his friend in a brief conversation, meaning to convince Dickas to the utter folly of ever thinking _he_ could obtain a situationunder so strict a business man as Mr. Gibbs. 

"Hello! Dick. What you thinking about now? Look like you meant to comearound here some fine night and swipe the entire business. Beware ofbulldogs and traps for the unwary, my boy. We keep a heavy guard overour millions, " he laughed. 

Dick showed no signs of resentment, knowing that this was only boyishbadinage, and he understood Charles even better than the other imagined. 

"Don't lie awake nights for fear of _my_ breaking in and running offwith your whole establishment, Charlie. I haven't even got the price ofthe wagon that might be needed to cart away the gold. But I did havedesigns on the place, in one way. Do you happen to know how business isjust now, and whether the bank has need of any more help? I'd be willingto act as porter, or anything else for the sake of getting started inthere, " with a wistful look through the open window toward the busyinterior of the enclosure where the cashier and teller were working likea hive of busy bees. 

"I guess the porter racket hasn't a leg to stand on, for you see they'vegot a man and his family on the payroll, and he looks after the furnacein the winter, as well as does all the sweeping out and such menialtasks. But it might be possible that they could make room for you as myassistant. You see duties have kept piling up on me all the time, andI'm the hardest worked man in the institution just at the presentminute. "

Charles did not even smile as he made this monstrous assertion; he sawhis opportunity for tying the hands of the other, and was slyly playinghis little game with that idea in view. 

Dick did not believe one half that the other said, and yet he was soanxious to get in touch with some one in this place of business that hecould not see any harm in pretending to take Charles seriously. 

"Will you put in a good word for me, then, Charlie?" he asked. 

"Sure I will. I don't forget that you did me a bully favor one time whenI was trying some fancy stunts backward on my skates, and tumbledthrough a hole in the ice. Say, I'll watch for a chance to speak to Mr. Gibbs the first time he calls me in to talk over business matters. Ifhe's in a pleasant frame of mind he may tell me to get help, and I'llspeak of you. But see here, old fellow, you mustn't expect to have thesalary I receive in the beginning. I don't suppose they'd think ofpaying more than ten dollars to start with. "

"A week?" asked Dick, smiling in spite of himself. 

"To be sure. You didn't think I meant a month, did you. But I'm reallytoo busy to spare any more time just now, Dick. You leave it to me andI'll try and do all I can to get you in. Don't be impatient. Thesethings sometimes take time to work up, you know. A man in our line ofbusiness has to learn to be cautious, and not make mistakes. So-long, Dick, " and the bank messenger flew up the steps of the stone building, his countenance changing as he stepped in through the door, for he sawthe cashier looking at him with a frown. 

That interview with Dick, entered into from purely selfish motives, might yet cost Charles dear. 

As for Dick, he turned away with the smile still upon his face, showingthat he had not been deceived to any great extent by the argument ofhis boy friend. 

As Dick had now reached the end of his string, so far as applicationsfor work went, for that day at least, he started for home. 

Mrs. Morrison met him at the door, and her eyes searched anxiously todiscover the true feeling that might lie back of Dick's cheery smile; hewas so prone to put on a brave face, no matter what the difficulty, thatshe found it hard to tell just when things were going wrong with him. 

"Nothing doing to-day, mother. Better luck to-morrow, perhaps. I've gota few irons heating in the fire, and one of them may get hot at anytime. But just as soon as I can get into my old regimentals I'm going todig some bait, and then me to the fishing bank. Wish me luck! At anyrate I can get probably enough bass for our supper, and if things turnout well I may have some to sell. "

He was off in a hurry, for time was passing and the best hours forfishing had really gone by; to-morrow he would be up at daylight, andwhile other boys might be yawning at being called to breakfast Dickwould be found hovering over his favorite hole, tempting the finny tribewith the fattest of worms and grubs. 

When he came in a short time later from getting his bait Mrs. Morrisonhad some lunch prepared, knowing that he had to go quite a littledistance up the river to do his fishing, and might not want to trampall the way home at noon. 

"I would have done that myself; but you are the dearest little mother onearth. Look for me about supper time. I wouldn't stay so late, but youknow the fish sometimes take to biting again just near sundown; and afellow hates to give up when they act as if they were hungry. If I havetoo heavy a load I might make some arrangement with old Ben Carberry toloan me his rig; so don't be surprised if you see it backing up to thedoor, " and with a laugh he ran off. 

As the antiquated horse and dilapidated vehicle owned by old Ben hadbeen the joke of the town for many a year his allusion was understood byMrs. Morrison; so that she found herself also laughing as she inimagination saw the astonishment of the neighbors should such a thingoccur, which, of course, was about as likely as a gold mine beingdiscovered in their back garden. 

Whistling as he went, Dick proceeded along the road. 

Boy-like he was always on the watch for a chance to get a ride, andbeing overtaken by a farmer's wagon on the way home from early market heasked permission to climb in behind. 

"Get up here along with me, Dick, " replied the old gray-whiskeredcountryman, making room on the seat, for he happened to know the lad, perhaps because Mr. Morrison had plied his trade as carpenter aroundthe entire section years ago. 

Of course Dick gladly took advantage of the opportunity, and the farmersoon engaged him in conversation, asking about his mother, and tellingseveral things in connection with his father that the boy had neverheard before. 

They were of a character to make him proud, for no one ever had anythingbut good words to say of the honest and thrifty carpenter, whose workalways bore the most rigid scrutiny, and could be depended on. 

"Where are ye goin' fishin', son?" finally asked the old man, possiblythinking of days long since gone by when he too used to take advantageof every chance to slip away from the heavy work of the farm, and, withpole over his shoulder seek the quiet retreats along that same river tocoax the timid bass from the depths. 

"I've got a hole just around the eddy below the big shelf of rocks. Yousee it's so far away the boys in town never get up there, and Igenerally have great luck. Then I know of half a dozen other spotsnearly as good. I'm going to try and get some fish to sell to-day. Yousee, Mr. Prentice, I've got to bring in some money to help out at homeuntil I get a position in some store, " replied Dick. 

"I'd like to have you work for me, boy, only if you came you'd have tobe there all the time. Our chores must be did before daylight. Sometimes we get up at one or two in the mornin' so as to get an earlystart in to market. I calculate that you wouldn't wanter leave your mamalone all the time. Does ye credit, Dick. I remember Tom's wife rightwell, and she was allers a right good housekeeper. Ye can't do too muchfor her, son. But about that ere fishin' hole, dye know I believe 'twasthe same I used to hook 'em out of thirty-odd year ago. Is it the ripplejust back o' Banker Gibbs' place?"

"Why, yes, that's it. And you used to catch bass there that far back?I'd just like to see all the fish that have come out of there then, inall these years. I reckon they'd stack up pretty high, and bring a goodprice peddled around at the doors of Riverview folks. But here's where Imust get down. I take a short-cut through the meadow and the woods rightto the hole. "

"Same short-cut, same hole, same kind of boy, allers ready to gofishin'. Good luck, Dick. I calculate you'll come out all right. Any boyof Tom Morrison couldn't help hittin' the mark in time, " called out thegenial old farmer, waving his whip cheerily after the active lad. 

"Thank you for the lift, Mr. Prentice. If I can't make a go of it anyother way I may look up that job you spoke about, " Dick called out; andthen turning hurriedly climbed a fence that brought him to the meadow. 

CHAPTER VII

DICK MAKES A GALLANT RESCUE

The fish did not seem in any great humor for taking hold that morning, although the weather conditions were just perfect for the sport, fromthe view of the boy who had his several poles in favorite places alongthe bank. 

When he first threw in he had a bite before he could get his second hookbaited, and the prize was a good pound fish, a beauty that made himexclaim with delight, and consider it a good omen. 

But after that the nibbles were few and far between. 

The summer sun mounted high in the heavens, and snowy clouds floatedacross the blue expanse; tired of sitting and watching his various bobsDick finally settled back with his head on a bunch of grass and watchedthe beautiful picture above, his thoughts taking flight, as frequentlyhappens with a boy who possesses an imagination. 

Perhaps he dreamed day dreams as he watched the fleecy clouds sailingpast, each an argosy of boyish hopes; perhaps he saw in imagination adelightful future when he and his mother would be placed beyondanxieties, and surrounded by all that could go to make up happiness inthis material world. 

Now and then he would arouse himself and examine his lines to seewhether the bait were properly adjusted so as to present a temptingdisplay to the bass; and occasionally he would pull in a capture, thoughthey seemed to run in small comparison with the first prize. 

Unless business picked up during the afternoon he rather guessed hewould have to be satisfied with only a mess for the morrow's dinner. 

"I'll get after the rascals bright and early to-morrow morning. No usetalking, just after daylight at this time of year is the time to haul inthese fellows. But I'm going to stick it out if it takes all day. "

So saying he began to look around to discover if there was any otherkind of bait he could offer the big fellows he knew were loiteringaround deep down in that dark water. 

He had brought along a piece of mosquito netting to use as a littleseine, by means of which he could possibly pick up a few minnows in acertain shallow they liked to frequent. 

This he had done on the preceding season, and the change of diet hadtempted the bass to take hold with gratifying results. 

So he got the net out and was soon endeavoring to trap a few small fry. 

He had made a miniature pond a foot or two in width along the side ofthe river, and into this he meant to drop any bait secured, to keep themalive until wanted. 

But even the minnows had almost entirely forsaken that shallow at thistime of day, for after working industriously a whole hour he had onlysucceeded in trapping three. 

One of these he used at once, but it brought no success, for the hourwas now near noon. 

Dick munched at his lunch and watched his floats pensively as the timecrept on. 

Up to three o'clock he had had only one more bite, but he managed toland the late diner, which proved to be at least the equal of his firstcapture. 

Then came another long wait. 

About four he concluded to try another minnow, hoping that the bass werearousing from their mid-day nap and would feel like partaking of a bite. 

The river was very pretty just here, and the current rather slow, forthe banks had widened; only for this deep hole the stream was shallow, and since the rains had been few and far between of late Dick fancied hecould almost wade across to the opposite shore should the occasionarise. 

Strange to say the idea of taking a swim had not occurred to him, as itcertainly must have done had there been another boy along; he was toomuch engrossed in his fishing, and the laying out of plans for thefuture to think of these material joys so dear to the heart of theordinary boy. 

Just as he had fastened the minnow to his hook, and gently floated thisout to the most promising place in the pool he thought he heard voicessomewhere close by. 

When he listened again he learned that it was a girl's voice he heard. 

And strange to say it seemed to come from up the river a little, justaround the bend; indeed, as he listened he certainly heard the sound ofoars working in the rowlocks, and again a merry voice called out. 

Then Dick nodded his head and smiled. 

"I know now. It's Bessie Gibbs in her boat. I remember that last year Isaw her out rowing once when I was going home. She may come down thisway. I wonder who is with her. Seems as if I can't catch any othervoice, and yet she is laughing and talking as if somebody was along. I'll soon know, for she seems to be just around the bend, and comingdown-stream. "

It was curious to see the boy look down at his rather patched garmentsjust then when there was a possibility of a girl coming on the scene. 

"Wonder if Bessie would know me with my old regimentals on? I'm riggedout for fishing, and I can't afford to wear the only decent suit I ownfor this sort of thing. Perhaps she won't want to know me. All right, who cares? But she never seemed that sort of girl at school. I alwaysthought Bessie the prettiest one in the whole bunch. Great Caesar!what's that mean?" he cried, for a shrill scream suddenly smote hisears. 

He sprang to his feet and immediately started to run along the bank, heading up the stream, for the point of land with its clump of trees cutoff his view. 

The screams still continued, accompanied by a splashing of water thatalarmed Dick more than ever, for he was now sure that Bessie Gibbs musthave fallen overboard, and was in danger of drowning. 

He burst through the bushes and stood on the shore. 

His first sight of the river at this point relieved him greatly, for hediscovered the rowboat half way across, with a little maid in itfrantically trying to recover one of her oars that had slipped away inthe excitement of the moment. 

There was also something struggling furiously in the water at a littledistance, and which Dick could not make out at first; but when heshouted at the top of his voice and started to wade out toward the spotthe girl turned toward him and wildly beckoned, at the same time cryingout:

"Oh! save him, save my poor Benjy--he will drown! Dick! _please_ get himfor me!"

It was not a human being in peril at all, only Bessie's pet Angora cat, a fuzzy little creature Dick remembered seeing on the seat of the Gibbscarriage one day when he met Bessie on the road, and she nodded to him, just as friendly as ever. 

He pushed resolutely out to where the wretched little beast, havingfallen overboard through a miscalculation, was being carried down-streamby the current and in sore peril of meeting death by drowning, sincecats are but poor swimmers at best. 

Dick was not a cruel boy by nature, and while he might have hesitatedabout placing his own life in jeopardy in order to save a cat, still, this one was the especial pet of a girl who had been his classmate inschool for several years. 

The water grew deeper, and soon he had to swim, which, considering thefact that he was burdened with his clothes was not the easiest thing inthe world to do. 

But Dick had always been noted for his ability to look out for himselfin the water, and he was not long in reaching the struggling creature. 

 [Illustration: DICK MANAGED TO CATCH THE LITTLE TERROR BY THE NAPE OF THE NECK. _Dick the Bank Boy_ _Page 53_]

He received one scratch from its claw as the frightened cat tried tosecure a lodging on his head, but by a little cautious work Dick finallymanaged to catch the little terror by the nape of the neck, and findinglodgment against a sunken boulder for his feet he waited until the boatcontaining the little miss floated down to him, when he tossed poorBenjy over the gunwale, a ridiculous looking object to be sure, but atleast safe and sound. 

"Oh! Dick, climb in; you may be drowned yourself!" cried Bessie, makingas if to seize hold of the lad who had so promptly gone to the rescue ofher pet. 

At that Dick laughed aloud. 

"I'm too much of a waterdog for that, Bessie. But while I'm in I mightas well do the whole thing. Now watch me go after that floating oar ofyours, " and so saying he started to move down-stream again. 

This time he drew the boat after him, and just opposite his fishing holehe managed to overtake the runaway oar, now held against a jutting rock, and speedily placed it in the possession of the girl. 

"Won't you go home with me to get dried out, Dick?" asked Bessie, looking at him in sincere admiration as he stood up in the water, andpulled the boat toward the shore. 

"What, me? Why, this is a picnic for a boy at this time of year. I'mgoing to wring the worst of it out, and then row your boat back up theriver for you. Why, long before I go home my luxurious fishing suit willbe dried on me. Saves pressing, you know, Bessie. And by cutting a fewsticks like clothes-pins I can snap them on along the front and get abeautiful crease!"

She laughed at his merry conceit, for Dick had always been a favorite ofhers among the school companions of other days. 

He was as good as his word, and persisted in rowing the boat back to thelanding from which she had started out; while Bessie sat there fondlingher Angora kitten, and rubbing its bedraggled hairy form with her littlehandkerchief. 

Dick went back to his fishing, amused at his little adventure, and neveronce suspecting what a tremendous influence such a small thing wasdestined to have on his whole future. 

To his delight he found another captive tugging furiously at the line onwhich he had placed his minnow, and it proved to be by far the largestprize of the day, very little short of two pounds. 

"To-morrow I will try and get a lot of live bait. I believe they fancythem at this season of the year. What, that last one hardly sank downbefore it was taken and this seems to be a jim-dandy of a boy too by theway he pulls. I hope I don't lose him now, " and he began to play thecaptive as cautiously as his experience in landing tricky bass hadtaught him how. 

After successfully tiring the fish out he managed to get him on thestring with the others, but he had no more minnows, and as thefastidious bass would not look at common earth worms after that Dickwas compelled to give up for the day, take his fair-sized string of fishand poles, and start trudging homeward. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE COMING OF A LETTER

Perhaps Dick did not walk quite as briskly as usual while trudginghomeward, for he was certainly pretty well tired out, and what with thepoles and fish he had quite a burden to carry. 

But he felt pleased to think that the day had been so filled with littlehappenings, from his unsuccessful search for work, the ride with thefriendly farmer who had offered him a place, the fishing-hole industry, and last, but not far from least, the rescue of Benjy and succeedinggratitude of pretty Bessie Gibbs. 

He was glad it had been _her_ cat; he would sooner do a favor for Bessiethan any girl he knew; for while her father was probably the richest manin Riverview she had never put on any airs like the Harkness girls, whopassed him in the street and looked right through him without a smile. 

About half way home he met a carriage coming out from town. 

It contained several people, and Dick quickly recognized it as theGibbs vehicle--yes, and that Bessie was one of those who made up theparty. 

He stepped out of the road to let it pass; and had it been possible Dickwould have tried to conceal himself behind a tree; but he feared Bessiemust have already seen him, and would laugh at his desire to avoid beingthanked for his afternoon's rescue. 

Just as he feared, the carriage came to a stop before reaching him, andhe saw Bessie leaning forward, beckoning wildly to him. 

"Dick, please come here. Mamma wants to thank you for saving our poorlittle Benjy. He has dried off beautifully, and looks whiter than ever. I don't believe his swim hurt him a little bit. I hope you didn't catchcold, Dick, " was what he heard her saying. 

There was nothing for it then but to advance to the side of thecarriage. 

Mrs. Gibbs was a refined lady, and perhaps a little given to believingthat there are few things in this world that cannot be settled by amoney consideration. 

She felt grateful to the boy for saving the pet of her daughter; sheknew who he was and that his father had been a carpenter, an honest manand with a reputation for respectability around Riverview, but she couldnot imagine for a moment that she would hurt the feelings of a boy byoffering him a reward for wading into the river and taking a drowningcat out. 

"Yes, I hope you will not suffer from your immersion, Richard. It wasvery kind, indeed, of you to go to such trouble for the sake of a poorcat. And, perhaps, something might have happened to Bessie too, she isso excitable when anything occurs. I hope you will let me reward you insome way. Won't you accept this, please? You must have quite ruined yourclothes by your brave act, and perhaps this will purchase another suit, "said the lady, holding out what Dick saw was a ten dollar bill. 

He felt the blood fly to his face. 

Then he looked down at his old garments, which he only donned for gardenwork or fishing, and afterwards glanced up at Bessie, to laugh aloud. 

"I guess I'm like Benjy, Mrs. Gibbs, and that the ducking did my clothesmore good than harm. These are my fishing duds, ma'm. And if you pleaseI'd rather not take any reward for pulling the poor little kitten in outof the wet. It was only sport for me, and I was glad to be there to savehim for Bessie. Besides, I know my mother would not like it if I tookpay for doing so small a thing, " he said. 

"What did I tell you, mamma?" exclaimed Bessie, impulsively, as thoughshe had begged her mother not to offer the boy money. 

The lady looked at Dick seriously for a minute, as if unable to exactlyunderstand the motives that influenced him to act as he did. 

Then she smiled and remarked:

"Just as you say, Richard. I suppose you know best; but even though youwill not let us recompense you in any manner, we still feel that we areunder obligations to you for what you did. You seem to have had goodsuccess in fishing?" noticing the fine string he was holding at hisside. 

"It has not been a good day. I hope to do better to-morrow, for I havean idea of going into the business for a while, and supplying familieswith fresh caught fish, while waiting to secure a position. It isnecessary that I do something to help out at home, since my mother hasall she owns invested where it happens to be tied up just at present, ma'm. "

Had he dared, Dick would have liked to have mentioned the fact that itwas the secret hope of his heart some day to find an humble opening inthe bank of which the lady's husband was the head; but he lacked theboldness to speak. 

"I am sure the spirit you show is commendable enough, my boy. Yourmother has need of feeling proud of so affectionate a son. I have oftenwished we had a boy to follow in the footsteps of Archibald; but Heavensaw fit to take three from us when they were babies. Perhaps in some waywe can show you that we do appreciate what you did for Bessie thisafternoon, Richard, " the lady remarked. 

"She thanked me, Mrs. Gibbs; that was enough for me, " he replied, andsomehow Bessie blushed as she met his laughing eyes. 

Then the carriage drove on, and Dick stood there looking after it with aqueer feeling in his heart; he was wondering what the uncertain futurehad in store for him, and if his dear little mother would ever see theday when she could ride in her own vehicle. 

He heaved a long sigh, and once more plodded along the road; but somehowhe did not seem quite so tired as before meeting the carriage thatcontained Bessie Gibbs and her mother. 

He found supper ready, and the usual warm welcome from his waitingmother. 

And over the meal he described in detail all that had happened duringthat rather eventful day. 

She hung upon his every word, for like most fond mothers she believedthere could be no boy like her own; and when Dick told in as dramatic amanner as possible how he had chased across the point upon hearing thoseshrill screams, she waited in real suspense until he described whatreally met his view upon bursting forth, and the change from impendingtragedy to a farce was so great that Mrs. Morrison sank back in herchair, smiling, but looking a little pale. 

"I remember Bessie very well. Last winter she sang in the church choirwith a number of your school companions; and I think I recollect thatyou saw her home one night when some accident happened to the horse, andno vehicle came after her, " she mused, looking roguishly at Dick, whoblushed as he turned the subject. 

Before going to bed Dick spent half an hour digging more bait, and theneven enlarged the little homely seine made of mosquito netting; if thefish must be tempted with minnows it was up to him to give them whatthey wanted, and in order to make a decent haul of live bait he knewthat a larger net was necessary. 

He was up before dawn, and gone before his mother came downstairs to getbreakfast; but this did not surprise the good woman, for she knew Dick'sways, and that if his heart was set on anything he never let the grassgrow under his feet. 

So shortly after sunrise the boy was settled at his old stamping groundalongside the favorite hole, and had his lines out ready for an earlyprize; while he worked his little seine and scooped up many fine minnowsto be transplanted into the shallow pond made ready for their occupancy. 

And his prediction seemed in a fair way of being fulfilled, for he waskept busy baiting his lines, so fast and furious became the rush on thepart of the finny denizens of the pool behind the big eddy for abreakfast. 

He seemed to have come at just the right time, and offered them the verybait they were eager for. 

His string increased at a surprising rate, and after the sun had been upa couple of hours Dick saw that he had a mighty fine lot of beauties todispose of. 

Later on as the bites grew fewer, and he found he had some time on hishands, he proceeded to dress his fish, and cover them with cool leavesin the basket he had brought along for this very purpose. 

Before noon he started back to town, resolved to dispose of his catch. 

He could not expect to do as well as this every day, but there wascertainly twenty pounds of fine fresh fish in his basket, and hebelieved he could readily sell them for a couple of dollars. 

He had already picked out certain houses where he meant to offer hiswares; and it can be readily guessed that the Gibbs mansion was _not_one of the number, although it stood not far away from his startingpoint; just why this should be so the reader must be left toimagine--perhaps it was because he was afraid he would be thanked againby Mrs. Gibbs for saving the life of the pet Angora; perhaps he somehowdid not fancy appearing again in his old clothes before Bessie;perhaps, --but surely every boy must understand how Dick felt about it. 

Just as he expected, he met with flattering success in disposing of thecontents of his basket; for while Riverview was situated on a streamthat seemed bountifully supplied with fish few persons made it abusiness to secure enough of them to offer any for sale; and what couldbe found on the stands in the markets had come from Boston, and werepacked in ice, so that their delicate flavor had been much impaired. 

At about three, then Dick headed toward home, quite satisfied with hisday's work. 

He jingled a handful of change in his pocket with the cheerful air ofone who has earned every penny of it--just two dollars and twenty cents, surely enough to pay him for his early rising. 

His mother was out when he got home, probably having just stepped overto see a sick neighbor; and Dick, entering the house, dropped into achair to rest a little before going out to dig more worms for themorning. 

It was while he was stretching himself out that his eyes chanced to fallupon a letter on the table, and to his surprise it was addressed to"Richard Morrison. "

He snatched it up filled with wonder, for he could hardly remember everhaving received a letter before, though once a former boy friend hadwritten him from Florida where his father had gone for his health. 

And his eyes distended still more when he saw up in the corner of theenvelope the printed words: "First National Bank of Riverview. "

With trembling fingers Dick tore the envelope open. 

CHAPTER IX

GREAT NEWS

Sitting there in the easy chair Dick read the few lines that composedthe letter which his mother must have taken from the rural delivery manat the door. It was in typewriting too, and signed with the name ofHarvey Gibbs. 

 "RICHARD MORRISON: I understand that you are seeking a position. Will you call upon me Friday morning about half-past ten. "

That was all; but it could not have given that boy more of an electricshock had it been a communication of a thousand words. 

What did it mean?

He read it again and again, and gradually the only explanation thatcould be attached to so clear a request came into his mind--why, theymeant to offer him a position in the bank--his dream seemed in a fairway of being realized. 

Was it Charles who had done this--could it be possible that the boastingone really did have more or less influence with the president?

He smiled at the thought. 

Then his mind roved in another direction, and he realized that after allhis humane act of the previous day must be bearing fruit; Bessie and hermother had told Mr. Gibbs about the saving of the wonderful Benjy from awatery grave, and no doubt also related how the boy had declined to takeany money as a reward for his kind deed; then one of them must havementioned the fact that Dick had said he was looking for work, and thishad led the banker to write to him. 

It was glorious, and he jumped up to meet his mother, whom he discoveredcoming through the back garden just then. 

She was surprised to see him home. 

"No use telling me you have been successful, my boy, for your face tellsthe story better than words, " she declared, laying down a dish in whichshe had doubtless carried some little tempting dainty to the sick woman;they might not have much themselves; but there were always others worseoff. 

Dick put his hand in his pocket and drawing it out, said:

"Guess how much for my morning's catch?"

"A dollar, " she replied, always entering into the spirit of hispleasantry. 

"More. "

"And a half then?"

"Still short, mom, try again. "

"Not two, Dick?" with delight in her eyes. 

He emptied his hand into her waiting ones. 

"Two dollars and twenty cents. I consider that I had pretty fair luckfor bass fishing. You know how freakish they are about biting. I hadmade up my mind I'd give them a whirl to-morrow, but now I find it willbe impossible. My other engagements are too pressing. "

She looked at him as though puzzled to guess his meaning, whereuponDick, unable to restrain himself any longer, snatched up the preciousletter and held it for her to see. 

When she managed to make out its contents she stared at him, halflaughing and crying at the same time. 

"How splendid! And just what you have always wished, Dick. Oh! I'm soglad! How nice of Mrs. Gibbs, and--Bessie!" she exclaimed; for herwoman's intuition had instantly jumped at the truth which Dick had onlyreached after more or less floundering in the mire. 

Her dear arms were immediately around his neck, and Dick knew that, pleased as he might be at the fortunate happening, his feelings couldnever keep pace with hers. 

He could think of nothing else the balance of the day, while doing somelittle work in the garden; and scores of times he figuratively huggedhimself in congratulation over his good luck. 

Dick did not dig any more bait; in fact he was careful to put away hispoles and lines, because, as he said to his mother, if he expected to gointo the business harness now he would have little time for fishing. 

That evening was a long one to him. 

He thought it would never come time to retire; and after he snuggleddown in bed it seemed as if he could not settle to sleep, so many thingskept popping up in his mind to engage his attention. 

But morning came at last. 

Dick was up early, and started to dig some more ground in the garden, for the last planting of vegetables, beans and late corn. 

"At any rate, " he said at breakfast, as he leaned back and looked at hismother happily, "the hours are not early in a bank, so that I shall haveplenty of time to do the chores around, and even look after my part ofthe garden before going to work. "

"There will not be a great deal to do from now on that I cannot manage, my boy. I shall want you to keep your mind principally on your business, and, whatever it may be, do it with your whole soul. I expect to live tosee you at the top rung of the ladder some day, Dick. You have yourfather's perseverance, and the desire to do everything as well as anyperson could possibly do it. I do not fear for your future, " she said, proudly. 

About ten o'clock Dick started out. 

He was trembling a little as he kissed his mother, and there was a tearof sympathy in her eye when she waved him goodbye as he turned arounddown the road to look back. 

If ever a mother's prayers and good wishes went out after her boy thoseof Mrs. Morrison followed him as he strode manfully along, with his headheld erect and the light of determination in his eyes. 

When he drew near the bank he swerved and passed along, but not fromtimidity; it lacked seven minutes of the time Mr. Gibbs had set, andDick had learned that a busy man is often almost as much annoyed by apremature caller as by one who keeps him waiting. 

So the town clock was just striking the half hour when he walked intothe bank. 

Dick had been inside the place more than once, on some errand for hismother; but it had never looked just as it did on this morning, when hesurveyed it as the possible field of his future industries. 

He went over to the teller's window. 

"Good morning, Mr. Winslow, can I see Mr. Gibbs?" he asked. 

The receiving teller glanced quickly up, for when any one asked to seethe president personally it usually meant particular business. 

To his surprise the speaker was only a boy; and as he recognized Dick heshook his head a little dubiously in the negative. 

"Mr. Gibbs is a busy man, generally, and unless you have some veryimportant business with him I hardly think he could see you, " hereplied. 

"But my business is important, to me anyway. I have come to see himabout a position here, " said Dick, calmly. 

"Then you had better see Mr. Goodwyn, the cashier. He has charge of allthe employing; Mr. Gibbs never troubles himself in that line. Firstwindow around the corner there. "

"But I have an engagement with Mr. Gibbs. He expects me at half-past tenthis morning, sir, " pursued Dick, beginning to feel a trifle alarmedlest after all something happen to disturb his rosy dreams of thefuture. 

Mr. Winslow opened his eyes and once more condescended to peer out ofhis little window at the boy who made this astonishing statement. 

"An engagement with Mr. Gibbs--well, of course, that alters thecomplexion of things considerably. We have no one to show you in justnow. Open that door yonder and rap on the first one you see to theright. It will have the words 'President's Office, Private, ' on it, " heobserved, looking more closely at Dick, and then smiling as though somethought gave him pleasure. 

As the boy moved along Mr. Winslow turned to the other teller and saidsomething in a low tone that caused him to grin broadly; and then give aquick look around in the direction of the desk where Dick had been toldthe cashier, Mr. Goodwyn, was stationed. 

Dick found the door and the inscription, just as the teller had toldhim. 

He drew in a long breath, set his teeth together, and then knockedboldly. 

"Come in, " some one said, and opening the door he found himself in thepresence of the biggest magnate of Riverview, Mr. Gibbs, the banker. 

Of course Dick had seen him many times before; but somehow he had alwaysviewed Harvey Gibbs as one placed upon a pedestal, far removed from thecommon herd; as a boy he could understand such people as Ezra Squiresand Mr. Graylock, but a silent man, known as a shrewd financier, was farbeyond his ken. 

Mr. Gibbs had been writing, but looking up as the boy entered he smiledpleasantly as though pleased with his appearance. 

"Sit down here a minute or two, Richard, until I finish this paper, which is of importance, and requires my signature later. I will be readyto talk with you presently, " he said, moving a chair out in a kindlyway. 

So Dick waited, meanwhile looking curiously around him at the luxuriousoffice, which, in his eyes was as finely furnished as any palace couldbe. 

He was pleased to think that his business was to be transacted with Mr. Gibbs in person rather than through the medium of the teller, RossGoodwyn, a small keen-eyed young-old man with a bald head, and doubtlessthe capacity to fit him for his responsible job, but whom Dick had neverliked; twice he had talked with him on matters connected with hismother's affairs, and each time the cashier had seemed to take a cruelpleasure in making him "feel small, " as Dick himself expressed it. 

Still, if he was to come into this institution as an employee he wouldhave to get over this feeling toward Mr. Goodwyn, who undoubtedly wouldhave considerable to do with him. 

That three minutes seemed an age to poor Dick, settled on the anxiousseat. 

Finally the banker sat up and rang a bell, whereupon one of the tellersmade his appearance, the document was signed, and then as Mr. Paysonwent out Dick found himself alone with the head of the firm. 

"Now I can give you a few minutes' time, Richard. Please move your chaira little closer, so that we need not talk so loud. It is rather apeculiar combination that is responsible for your appearance here thismorning, " he said, pleasantly; and somehow the boy lost all his formerfear for the usually austere banker. 

CHAPTER X

THE MEETING IN THE BANK

"Am I right in assuming that you are looking for a position, Richard?"was the first thing the banker said. 

"Yes, sir. You probably know the trouble my mother is having with herinvestment, for she has conducted all negotiations through your bank. Until that company resumes the payment of dividends we shall have rathera hard time to get on. And I have made up my mind to give up school, forthe present, at least, and get work of some kind, " said the boy, clearly. 

"Good for you. Your object is surely commendable. I understand that youhave already been making a start in that line?" pursued Mr. Gibbs. 

"Do you mean with Mr. Cartwright, sir?" asked Dick, wondering how theother had managed to hear of this. 

"Yes. He was in here doing some business yesterday, and spoke of you. "

"That was mighty nice of him, sir. I would gladly have continued on withhim, but you see his son, who had been sick, got well enough to comeback, and that knocked me out of a job. "

"Very inconsiderate of Toby, too. But Mr. Cartwright, who is one of ourdirectors, and a heavy stockholder in this bank, recommended you to meas a trustworthy young fellow who could be depended on to do your bestalways. That is the rule we follow here; no matter how menial the task, do it as near perfect as lies in your power. "

"It was Mr. Cartwright, then--I thought--" began Dick, and stoppedshort. 

"What did you think, Richard; tell me?" asked Mr. Gibbs, smiling. 

"I thought that perhaps Charles might have said something. He promisedto recommend me if you ever needed an assistant to help him out, he wasso busy. "

"Oh! yes, just so, you mean Charles Doty. Unfortunately he was not ableto save himself, much less use his powerful influence toward gettinganother in here. In fact, my boy, it is to fill his place that I am nowengaging you, " observed the gentleman, pointedly. 

"Then Charlie has gone--I expected he would not last. He likes to sleeptoo much in the morning. I used to have to go and pull him out of bedwhenever we went fishing last year, " remarked Dick, noddingsignificantly. 

"That was just the trouble--it took Charles too long to get started. Hemay find more congenial employment in some other line; but he wouldnever do for the financial business. But I spoke of a curiouscoincidence. You are doubtless wondering what I mean by that. Someoneelse recommended that I give you a trial. Can you guess who it was?"

The reddening face of the boy announced that he at least had asuspicion. 

"That was only such a small thing to do, Mr. Gibbs. Any fellow couldpull a poor little kitten out of the water. It wasn't really deep enoughto drown me, anyhow; and I guess it would take more than that to do thebusiness, for I'm a duck in the water, sir. "

"All right, but I've known many boys who would take a fiendish delightin seeing a kitten drown, " retorted the gentleman. 

"But--that was Bessie's kitten!" said Dick, hastily. 

"Oh! yes, so I see. Well, at any rate you did a good thing all around, Richard, pleased my wife and daughter, and opened the way to a situationfor yourself in the bank here. Mr. Cartwright tells me you have alwayswanted to be connected with an establishment of this kind, and he saysthat you are unusually quick and accurate with figures--in fact, hecalls you a wonder in that line; but all our employees would seem suchto him, doubtless. Can you go to work to-day, Richard? We let Charlesoff yesterday, and while the porter is doing some of his usual workthere are many errands that should be attended to. "

"I am ready to commence right now, sir, " responded Dick, getting up withhis usual alacrity. 

"Good. I like to hear a lad talk that way. But by the way, you have notasked anything about wages. "

"I'm willing to leave that entirely to you, sir. I am sure you will payme all I am worth to the bank, " said Dick, simply. 

He could not have made a more diplomatic reply had he been a schemerinstead of a frank single-minded lad. 

"Good again. I begin to think that it was a fine thing for all of usthat Charles overslept so frightfully yesterday. We paid him eightdollars a week to begin with, Richard. "

"Yes, sir. I shall be very glad to receive that, if you consider that Ican fill the bill. "

"But, for the last two months we have been paying Charles ten. Now, I amof the opinion that you are going to be even more valuable in the startthan he was at the finish of his banking career, so I shall instruct thebookkeeper to put you on the payroll at ten dollars. That will do forthe present, Richard. I am going to take a personal interest in yourprogress. I knew your father, my boy, and respected him highly. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Dick, as he withdrew; and there were tears in hiseyes which he had to wink very hard to dry out; but it was not the factthat he was to receive such splendid wages at the beginning of hisbusiness career that affected him half so much as this constant allusionto the honorable name his father had left behind as a heritage for hisson. 

Thomas Morrison might not have been able to lay up a fortune before hewas called to another world; but he had at least won for himself theregard and esteem of his neighbors during all the years he labored inand around Riverview. 

Presently Dick was being instructed in his duties by one of the friendlytellers. 

While this was going on the cashier came out of his little room. 

"Who's this boy, Payson?" he asked, frowning at Dick. 

"I think you know me, Mr. Goodwyn; I am Mrs. Morrison's son. I have beenin to see you several times on business, " returned Dick, calmly. 

"But what are you doing inside the railing now?" continued the cashier. 

"Mr. Gibbs has given him the place of the messenger boy, Charles, Mr. Goodwyn, " remarked the teller, a little vindictively, Dick thought. 

The cashier frowned. 

"Why, I spoke only yesterday to Mr. Gibbs about a nephew of mine Icould recommend for that position; I don't understand how it comes hehas taken this thing out of my hands. He seldom interferes with thehiring of help. I must see him about it at once, " and he hurried away tointerview the president. 

"Much good it will do him, " remarked Payson to his fellow teller; "I'veseen the fellow he wants to put in here, and so has Mr. Gibbs; and Imust say I didn't like his looks. Goodwyn has to help support hisfamily, I understand, and it's more his wish to lighten his own loadthan to get us a clever messenger, that impels him to recommend hisnephew. Make your mind easy, Dick; there will be nothing doing. "

And apparently there was not much satisfaction in the brief interviewwhich the cashier had with Mr. Gibbs, for when he came back presently hehastened into his little den, nor did he have a word to say to anyone. 

Only Dick feared that he would find Mr. Goodwyn a hard taskmaster, onaccount of this incident; and he regretted it very much, believing itwould handicap him more or less in his work. 

But the others soon came to like the new messenger exceedingly, he wasso clever, so obliging, and withal so bright; both tellers declared atthe close of the day's business that they had never known so littletrouble in getting their errands executed in a lucid manner. 

At noon Dick bought himself a little luncheon, for he was too far awayfrom home to spend half an hour walking to and fro each day; after thishe meant to bring something with him; no matter if it were only breadand butter, it would be much better than this "sawdust, " as hecontemptuously called the cake he had purchased at the town bakery. 

It was just at two o'clock that a most peculiar incident occurred, andone that gave Dick considerable amusement. 

He was waiting in the outer room for a paper which the presidentintended sending to the post office to go by registered mail, when whoshould come in but Ferd Graylock, accompanied by his father; who, as oneof the officers of the bank, went straight back to the room of thepresident without ceremony, leaving his son in the public waiting-room. 

Of course Ferd immediately spied Dick there and sauntered over, with hiscustomary air of importance. 

"Hello! Morrison, what are you doing here? I didn't you know you were adepositor in our bank, " he said, with a patronizing manner that at firstmade Dick grit his teeth, and then caused him to smile as a suddensuspicion flashed across into his mind. 

"Oh! I drift in occasionally to drop a few hundred thousand for safekeeping, " he replied, in a spirit of irony. 

"What _are_ you here for anyway?" demanded Ferd, eyeing the other with asneer. 

"Just waiting for something at present. "

"Oh! I see, your mother has probably been making arrangements to borrowon her tied-up investments. It's hard lines, old fellow. Now, you oughtto do something in the way of business, instead of spending your timefishing, as I hear you are doing. I expect to branch out that waymyself. My old man says my school days are over, because my report wasso very depressing this term. He believes I would make a splendidbanker; and he's just gone back to consult with Gibbs about starting mein here. "

"Oh!" was all Dick trusted himself to say. 

Apparently that position formerly occupied by the departed Charles wasnot going around begging for applicants; nor was the cashier the onlyone who had his eye upon it. 

"Of course I will have to begin low down so as to get a grasp upon thedetails and technical points of the financial side of the business; butI'm willing to learn. Here comes the governor now; I guess he has itclinched. "

If he did he certainly showed little signs of satisfaction as he cameup, for he simply glared at Dick. 

"Come on, son, back to the store. I think you'll have to begin yourmercantile career behind a dry goods counter after all, " he snarled. 

"But the position that was open to me here, with a chance to rise?"exclaimed Ferd, looking aghast at this unexpected explosion of hishopes. 

"It is open no longer, Mr. Gibbs himself filled it. And that younginterloper has stepped into your place, " pointing his trembling fingerat Dick. 

"What! _you?_" cried Ferd, hardly able to believe his ears, "impossible!"

Just then the paying-teller called out. 

"Richard, here is the letter to be sent registered; and on the way backstop in at Underwoods and leave this notice of a note coming dueto-morrow. "

"Yes, sir, " said Dick, hurrying out; while Ferd followed more slowly, afrown on his face and his teeth gritting with anger. 

CHAPTER XI

FRIENDLY ADVISE

Being quick to learn, it did not take Dick long to grasp the scope ofhis new duties, and by the end of the second week he had gained the goodwill of every person connected with the bank, from the president down tothe porter--with one single exception. 

This was Ross Goodwyn, the cashier. 

Somehow that individual seemed to take it as a personal affront thatDick had been chosen to fill the vacancy caused by the discharge ofCharles. 

He had figured on filling it with his nephew, and since as a rule thesethings were left to his discretion he felt very much aggrieved becauseMr. Gibbs had for once gone over his head. 

Being a sensitive man he imagined that the other employees were foreverchuckling in their sleeves over his defeat, and hence he misconstruedevery little incident that arose to be a slur aimed at his vanishedauthority. 

It made him most unhappy. 

And certainly Dick did not enjoy the thought of having this clever manclassed as his enemy, for in the course of his duties about the bank henecessarily came into frequent contact with the cashier, and it wasunpleasant to feel that the other was eyeing him constantly, as thoughready to pick a flaw in his conduct. 

Perhaps it also made Dick more careful than he might ordinarily havebeen, and in this way worked for good. 

The bookkeeper's assistant, a young man named Kassam, frequently atelunch with Dick, as his people lived at a distance, and he did not scornto bring a bite to the office with him daily. 

There was a little room back of the offices where some papers and bookswere kept, such as the big safe could not accommodate, and here the twowould often sit and chat as they disposed of their luncheon. 

Pliny Kassam was a diligent fellow, who meant to make his mark some day;he had a mother and a raft of little sisters at home, for whom he seemedto entertain a sincere affection. 

It was the similarity in their conditions that first drew the boystogether; for each of them had lost a good father, though Kassam'speople were in comfortable circumstances. 

It was one noon hour when Dick had been with the bank about three weeks, that his friend for the first time mentioned a subject that had adistinct bearing on the messenger's personal affairs. 

In the course of the general talk Dick chanced to mention the name ofthe cashier, as having sent him upon a certain errand. 

Pliny glanced around and unconsciously lowered his voice as he said:

"I'd advise you to keep your eye on Mr. Goodwyn, Dick, and when he asksyou to do anything make sure that you carry out his wishes to a dot. Hehas it in for you on account of his disappointment about this positionhe wanted for that nephew of his. "

"I always try to do exactly as I am told, no matter whether it is thecashier who gives the order or the bookkeeper. But I don't believe Mr. Goodwyn would stoop so low as to try and injure a fellow who had neverdone him any harm. I knew nothing about his nephew. The place wasoffered to me, and as I had to work I accepted it only too gladly. Ihope Mr. Goodwyn will soon be as good a friend to me as anyone else inthe bank, " replied Dick, earnestly. 

"Oh! don't mistake me, now, old fellow. I wouldn't for the world hintthat our clever cashier would dream of doing you any harm, or trumpingup a false charge against you. Those things happen often enough in thestories we read, but in real life very seldom. But there are other waysof getting into trouble, you know. "

"Just how?" asked his companion, puzzled and not a little worried bythe mysterious manner of Kassam. 

"Well, suppose that something happened, as it frequently does, whenthings go wrong, and some careless person has misplaced a valuablepaper--we know that after a certain amount of hunting it will be found, for it could hardly get out of _our_ department; but in your case itwould be different, for your work takes you outside. If thecircumstances looked in the least suspicious, I mean that Mr. Goodwynwould be apt to condemn you off-hand. Just make up your mind to beunusually careful, that's all. "

"See here, Pliny, you have some reason for telling me this, haven'tyou, " demanded the other, anxiously. 

Again his companion cast that instinctive hasty look around him, and thereason was obvious, for Mr. Goodwyn's little department was just at theother side of the thin partition, and if he happened to be in at thishour, which would be unusual, he could possibly hear voices raised abovethe ordinary, and as his decision was generally the controlling factorin the matter of employment, Pliny might find himself looking foranother job. 

"Well, to tell the truth I have. You were out yesterday at noon when Iwas eating my lunch, and he happened to be in his room when Mr. Graylockcalled to see about some business matter. They talked rather loud, foryou remember Archibald is a trifle deaf, and raises his voice at alltimes. I couldn't help but hear, although I paid no particular attentionto what they were saying until I happened to catch your name mentioned. "

"My name?" echoed Dick, anxiously. 

"Yes, and of course that caused me to sit up and take notice, for Ithought it kind of queer that two business men in consultation shouldthink about a boy who had nothing to do with their affairs at all, " wenton Pliny, lowering his voice still more, until its mysterious characteraffected Dick seriously, and he even found himself quivering witheagerness. 

"Who brought me into the conversation first?" he asked. 

"I think it was Graylock, for I heard him ask how you were making good, and from the plain sneer in his tone when he spoke I knew the old fellowwas just hoping Mr. Goodwyn would say not at all, and that he would haveto make a change. "

"But he didn't--don't tell me he said _I_ was a failure?"

"Oh! no; on the contrary he admitted that you seemed to be getting alongpretty well, though he also spoke about the new broom sweeping clean, and that no doubt when the novelty had wore off you would show up justas many faults as Charlie had. "

Dick breathed easier. 

"I am glad he said a good word for me, anyhow. Wait and see if I gobackward. I'm more determined than ever to make good here, for I believethat the one chance I wanted has come to me. What did Mr. Graylock sayto that, Pliny?" he asked. 

"He sneered at it in that nasty way he has, and he was mighty bitterwhen he declared that he had no faith in you. He even said you had cometo him to ask for a job, and he felt constrained to turn you downbecause he had heard certain things in various quarters that reflectedon your honesty--nothing positive, but just little straws that generallyshow which way the wind blows. "

Dick half sprang out of his seat, and his face grew red with anger andmortification. 

"I haven't liked Mr. Graylock from way back, but it never entered myhead that he was a man who would descend to actual lies to get even witha boy who happened to cut his son out of a job. That was about as mean athing as any man could ever hint at--no proof, but only generalsuspicion, and on that he would ruin my reputation with my employers. It's hard to stand that, Pliny, mighty hard!" he breathed, clinching hishands and looking as though he had half a mind to hurry around to thebig department store and demand an explanation and an apology from theowner. 

"Just what I said to myself at the time--old Graylock is a cur, a mean, mangy cur, that's what he is. And because I detest him so I made up mymind you should hear what happened to come to my ears. Mind you, I'mnot a listener, and under ordinary circumstances I'd have stopped up myears. "

"It was kind of you to tell me, Pliny. I'll be more careful than everhow I do things now. Mr. Graylock offered me a position in his store, and told me to take off my coat and go to work; but as he only gavethree dollars a week I had to decline. I suppose he can't quite forgiveme for walking out. Perhaps I did say something a little sarcastic atthe time, but who could help it when a man had even gone so far as tosneer at my father for declining to put his money into that storebusiness of his?"

"Served him just right--three dollars a week, eh? And they do say heworks his help like a mule driver. If that man doesn't get to be amillionaire it will be because he is so small he makes mistakes that alarger grained man never would. That is the law of compensation, my boy. And I hate to say it, but Graylock ended up by warning Mr. Goodwyn thatif he were in his shoes he would keep a sharp eye on a boy who had hadno father these many years to train him right. That kind of hit me too, and I couldn't help shaking my fist at the old curmudgeon through thatpartition. "

"It was a mean trick, if I do say it. I ought to be glad, I suppose, that I happen to have nothing to do with Mr. Graylock. Even if he hadoffered me living wages I hated to think of working for him. But let'sdrop the subject. I'm glad you told me this, Pliny, unpleasant as it hasbeen. "

"You won't say anything to a living soul?"

"Of course not, not even to my mother, though it's little I ever keepfrom her. She would only worry about it, and what's the use? I must lookout for myself. Depend on me to keep mum, " replied Dick, quickly, reaching out a hand and shaking that of the assistant bookkeeperheartily. 

"You know there is a knothole in that partition over there, and if afellow cared to he could look in and see what Mr. Goodwyn was doing; butI wouldn't want to be guilty of that low trick. Hearing what was said ina loud voice was another matter; I couldn't help that, " declared Pliny. 

Then they talked of other things; though Dick was unusually sober thebalance of that day, and every time Pliny caught his eye he gave alittle shake of his head as though warning the messenger not to show hisfeelings so plainly. 

Perhaps Mr. Goodwyn may have noticed the look on Dick's face when he hadoccasion to talk with him, and it may have given his conscience a littlestab or so, for he seemed more than ordinarily pleasant to the lad. 

Poor Dick was already learning that there may be a cloud upon thehorizon ready to darken the bright skies, no matter how cheerful thingsmay have looked heretofore; he had secured the situation that was thedream of his heart, but already a fly had dropped in the ointment. 

The baneful influence of Mr. Graylock seemed capable of reaching himthrough the dislike of the cashier, and sooner or later he was apt tosuffer because of that unnatural combination. 

Even his fond mother noticed that he was dull that evening, but he saidnothing, and hence she concluded that the duties of his new positionwere proving exacting. 

But even Dick could not foresee the shadow that in the immediate futurewas destined to cast its blight upon his promising young businesscareer. 

CHAPTER XII

GATHERING CLOUDS

Another week passed. Dick had recovered his natural spirits, since itwas impossible for a boy of his buoyant disposition to hug worry to hisheart for any great length of time. 

Mr. Goodwyn could find no fault in his conduct; he was intelligent, quick, respectful and accurate; and yet the cashier kept tabs of hismovements as though constantly looking for a weak place in his armor. 

Would he find it after a while; could the boy continue to be as perfectright along as he seemed just now, and should the time come, was Mr. Goodwyn mean enough to look upon an accidental mistake as a crime?

This was what made Dick anxious; anyone was apt to make a slip once in awhile--in the bookkeeping department it happened every month when theywere taking off their trial balance, and then hours had to be consumed, and midnight gas burned until the error was found and rectified; butwhat was an ordinary mistake with one person might be magnified into anenormous blunder in another. 

Accordingly, having this uneasy feeling in connection with Mr. Graylock's vindictive animosity, Dick was put on his guard one day whenthe cashier sent him with a note to the department store. 

He had not been in it since that day when Pliny told him about the talkbetween Archibald Graylock and the cashier. 

As he entered the big building it seemed to him that there was adifference in the air of things somehow; the clerks behind the counterwere actually taking things easier than he had ever known them to do, and several were even conversing together--why, he actually heard a lowlaugh as he passed along, something that had hitherto been unknown inthe Graylock store. 

Apparently the proprietor must have been relaxing his eternal vigilancefor some reason or other. 

Dick began to take notice, and somehow a thought flashed into his brainthat he would not have communicated to anyone else for a king's ransom, lest he be accused of betraying the secrets that were connected with histrusted position in the bank. 

He remembered now that Mr. Graylock had been in consultation with thebank officials daily of late, and there seemed to be a look on his facethat was more than the keen, shrewd business expression people wereaccustomed to seeing there. 

Could it be that he was having troubles financially?

Dick knew that there were some heavy notes out against the man whosegenius as an organizer had built up that big department store, so long acredit to the good name of Riverview. 

Yes, and he had been in to see Mr. Gibbs twice personally, which was arather unusual proceeding, since the cashier was the one with whom allordinary affairs were transacted. 

And now that he thought of it, might there be a reason in his settingFerd to work to earn his own living. 

He discovered the object of his last thought behind a counter, lookingdisconsolate, though when Ferd saw him he tried to brace up and assumehis former patronizing air, beckoning Dick to approach. 

Actually he offered to shake hands, which was a sure indication thatFerd had suffered a fall in his pride. 

"How d'ye do, Dick? Getting along all right in the bank? I had an ideaI'd like to take up the financial end of the game, but when I discoveredwhat slaves all bank clerks are nowadays, I changed my mind. It's a heapbetter to work into the ropes here, and learn how the governor managesthings; because you understand, before a great while I expect to see myname on the sign with his. Archibald Graylock & Son, won't look halfbad, eh? After that I can take it easier, you see. And when the wholebusiness comes my way, after the old man cashes in his checks, why Iexpect to travel and enjoy life. I'm thinking of investing in a car thevery day I get to be a partner here; yes, and I've been having stacks ofcatalogues sent me of the different makes. Don't suppose you feel anyinterest in such things; perhaps you may ten or twenty years from now, when you get to be cashier. "

It amused Dick to hear Ferd boast, and never changed his own ideas aparticle. 

Just now he wondered deep down in his heart what effect it would have onthe fellow if his father did make a grand smash, and it actually becamea necessity for Ferd to get out and hustle for his daily bread--it mightprove the making of him in the end. 

"Oh! I sometimes dream of having such a thing, some fine day; but justas you say, I rather guess that time is a long way off. It doesn'tbother me a particle. I'm satisfied to get along day by day, and leavethe future to itself. But I must be on my way, Ferd. Glad you like yourberth. Be sure and invite me to a ride in that car when you conclude toget it. "

Mr. Graylock was pacing up and down in that little room of his, with aplainly perturbed face; he started as Dick entered, and looked relievedto see him, just as if he had been entertaining a fear of having someimpatient debtor call upon him to demand an immediate settlement of hisclaim under penalty of closing up his business. 

And the lookout hole was closed, which accounted for the unusualcommotion in the store among the employees; plainly Mr. Graylock, inanticipation of disagreeable interviews, had chosen to cut off his meansof communication with the outer offices. 

He tore open the envelope Dick carried from the cashier and hastilyscanned the contents. 

There was a strained look on his seamed face, and a glitter in his eyesthat Dick could not but think boded ill toward some one, and he rejoicedthat fortune had not thrown his daily lot under the finger of this pettytyrant. 

"Tell Mr. Goodwyn that I will be right over, and bring the securitieswith me, " he said, in a voice that seemed to tremble a little witheagerness or some emotion. 

"Yes, sir. Anything else?" asked the boy, respectfully. 

Mr. Graylock looked at him long and earnestly; it seemed to Dick thatsomething cruel and sinister was creeping over his hard face, anddespite himself he shivered as though a piece of ice had suddenly beenapplied to his flesh. 

"That is all, " said the merchant, finally, like a man making up hismind. 

Dick went out. 

He could not understand his feelings, but it seemed as though he musthave had some connection with the thoughts passing through that shrewdmind of Mr. Graylock while the other was standing there a full minuteand looking directly at him. 

Why should that be?

How could so humble a personage as the bank messenger boy have anythingto do with the financial standing of a big merchant like Mr. Graylock?

Surely it was entirely out of the question that the former dislike whichthis man had entertained toward him could have any place in his thoughtsnow, if, as Dick imagined, he were wrestling with financialdifficulties. 

He had one more errand to attend to before returning to the bank. 

It was the noon hour, and he expected to eat lunch before businesspicked up again. 

In these country banks things are not run on the same rigid regulationsas in great city institutions. 

Sometimes for half an hour business is virtually suspended and all theemployees may be found out at dinner save possibly a single exception, which may be one of the tellers, or on occasion the cashier himself. 

As a rule depositors, aware of these conditions, do not come to transactany business between these hours, but if there should happen to be anyespecial need of money being paid out or taken in, the lone occupant ofthe desk attends to it. 

Dick had noticed that several times Mr. Graylock seemed to have timedhis visits at just this particular hour. 

It may have been accident, or he possibly wished to catch the cashier atleisure, and as the building was empty for a short season, so far asthey knew, they could confer without a chance of being overheard. 

On this particular day, which was fated to be marked with a white stonein the history of Dick Morrison, Mr. Graylock entered the bank at thetime he was eating his lunch in the little room back of the offices. 

From where he sat he could see the merchant as he came in the open door. 

He noticed Mr. Graylock cast a quick look around as if to size up thesituation, and what would appear to be a pleased expression flashed overhis thin face when he saw that the coast seemed clear, and that thecashier was the only one present, besides the boy eating in the backroom. 

Passing immediately into the section reserved for the bank workers heentered Mr. Goodwyn's den; the door being open so that the cashier couldcommand a full view of the outer offices, and jump up if any customershould happen to apply at the windows for attention. 

There followed the murmur of voices from within; but for once Mr. Graylock saw fit to graduate his tones to a lower pitch, so that beyondan occasional word Dick heard nothing that passed, nor did he wish tolisten. 

Then someone entered through the front door, and he heard the cashierget up to pass through into the main offices to wait on the customer. 

What impelled Dick to step gently over to that knothole Pliny had spokenof and take one quick glance he could never have explained, for surelyhe had no particular desire to look upon the disturbed and crafty faceof Archibald Graylock. 

The merchant was just sitting down in his chair again as though he hadstood up after the cashier's hurried departure from the little office, and he seemed to be buttoning up his coat; Dick had one scant look athis face as he turned away again to resume his lunch, and he could neveragain forget the expression he saw there, it seemed to be so full offear, of nervous strain, of malicious triumph. 

CHAPTER XIII

WANTED IN THE CASHIER'S OFFICE

Five minutes later a bell rang. It was from the cashier's office, andwas meant to summon Dick if he were about the premises. 

Accordingly he at once presented himself in the little departmentadjoining the main offices, where he found the cashier still sittingwith Mr. Graylock. 

The latter was watching for his coming, since his little eyes fastenedupon the boy immediately. 

It appeared that he had mentioned something to Mr. Goodwyn pertaining toa matter that Dick would be apt to know about; which of course hadresulted in the boy being called upon to explain. 

This he was able to do in a satisfactory manner, for after all it was atrivial matter, though considering the feeling that animated themerchant it might have become serious had Dick been less careful how hehandled the messages entrusted to his charge. 

"That is all right, Richard. I can see that you did the proper thing. Ifthere is any fault it does not lie at your door, " remarked Mr. Goodwyn, smiling. 

Dick was more than pleased at these few words of praise from thissource, the very first he had ever received from Mr. Goodwyn; his faceflushed, and he drew a long breath as if inclined to thank the cashier, but realizing that this was not called for he turned to depart. 

"By the way, Mr. Goodwyn, don't you think it would be wise to have thispacket placed in the safe right away? It represents too much to me justnow to take any possible chance of losing it, " exclaimed Mr. Graylock, eagerly. 

"Why, certainly, if it will ease your mind any, Archibald. I meant to doit myself just as soon as you had gone. Here, Richard, be sure and placethis in the vault just where you put that package for me yesterday, " andDick, turning at the door accepted the large buff envelope that had astout rubber band around it to keep the contents intact. 

He was impelled somehow to look quickly up at Mr. Graylock as he turnedto pass out of the door. 

Again that strange shiver shot through him from head to feet as he sawthe grim smile that appeared for just a single instant on that thinface, and then vanished. 

He went immediately into the bank vault, which was open, though theinner one had been fastened when the tellers left their stations, andcarefully placed the packet in the exact spot he had been told. 

Then he returned to the little room back of the offices to finish hislonely lunch; for Pliny was away from his desk three days now with anattack of summer complaint--nothing serious, but keeping him at homefor a short season. 

Five minutes later he saw Mr. Graylock pass out. 

Then one of the tellers returned and the cashier went home to hisdinner. 

During the balance of the day Dick often thought of what had occurredduring the noon hour, and wondered whether the owner of the big storecould really be getting into deep water financially. 

Already he had learned that those in the bank must never talk about whatthey happen to learn or suspect, and so he made up his mind to keep hissuspicions to himself. 

At any rate it was none of his business, and while he had no affectionfor Mr. Graylock he certainly did not feel like exulting over the factthat impending trouble hovered over his devoted head. 

Once, when he had occasion to pass into the vault he saw that someone, possibly the teller, had taken pains to remove the packet from theshelf, and that it was undoubtedly now safely reposing in the innerreceptacle of the big vault; indeed, the door of this being ajar Dickfancied he could see the buff envelope with the heavy rubber bandsticking out of one of the various pigeon-holes. 

After that it passed entirely from his mind. 

Three more days passed by. There were now rumors abroad that all was notrosy with the firm of Archibald Graylock; everybody was talking of it, for in a small town such a thing is a calamity affecting manyhouseholds; for should the big store close its doors scores must bethrown out of employment, for it had been doing a rushing business offand on. 

Dick heard of it in half a dozen places; indeed, it seemed as thougheveryone must be talking about the visits of creditors, and the hustlingof the worried proprietor to get accommodation in order to tide over thestorm. 

There were no more consultations between the cashier and Mr. Graylock;for somehow the merchant seemed to avoid the bank, sending Ferd severaltimes with notes, when it became necessary to communicate. 

It seemed to Dick as though there was a muttering in the air, just as heused to notice before a summer storm broke on a sultry day. 

Surely something was going to happen. 

And now a new week had come around, the beginning of his second weekwith the bank. 

Dick was even more pleased than ever with his position. 

It was an absolute delight for him to dabble with figures, and findinghow very quick and accurate he was, the bookkeeper and tellers did nothesitate to give him many a task in that line. 

The more he did the better they were pleased, and many a joke passedaround the inner circle that was aimed at poor Charles, and hisblundering ways. 

It was about a quarter after eleven when Dick saw Mr. Graylock come in. 

He had a most determined look on his face, as though his mind was setupon doing something he had endeavored to hold aloof for some time. 

"Looks to me as though the climax is close at hand, " observed Pliny, whowas once more back at his desk; Dick happened to be standing near bywaiting for some notices that were being gotten together by thebookkeeper to be delivered on his regular morning round of the businesshouses of Riverview. 

"I think myself we shall hear something drop before long, " replied thatfunctionary, in a low confidential tone, intended only for the ears ofhis assistant. 

Never were words spoken half in jest more speedily made to come true. 

Loud voices could be heard coming from the little den of the cashier, whither Mr. Graylock had immediately hastened upon entering. 

Then in the doorway appeared the trim figure of Mr. Goodwyn, showingevident signs of excitement. 

"It is impossible, incredible, sir! Such a thing could never happen inthis institution. There must be some mistake; your informant was inerror, " he was saying, forgetting that other ears than those of themerchant were open, and could hear all he was saying. 

"My informant is a responsible man, and he declares that there can beno mistake. It was positively one of my securities that was offered tohim by an unknown party, who, upon being questioned refused to tellwhere he had obtained the same, and left before he could be detained. Ionly trust that there is a mistake, Mr. Goodwyn. It would be a mostserious thing for me just now to be crippled when I have need all of myavailable resources. "

"We will prove it to be a mistake, and you can breathe freely again, Mr. Graylock. "

With that the cashier stepped into the safe. 

Mr. Graylock stood in the doorway of the inner sanctuary, an eager lookon his face that told of expectancy and dread, either real or assumed. 

Every one in the enclosure had their eyes riveted upon the vault;although they were not supposed to have any interest in this matter itwas only human nature to be overwhelmed with curiosity concerninganything that happened in connection with Archibald Graylock, who justnow seemed to occupy a prominent place in the talk of the town, particularly with regard to his financial standing. 

Five seconds later the cashier came out of the vault again. 

He was smiling now, and holding up the big buff envelope that was heldwith the heavy rubber band. 

Both he and the merchant passed within the smaller office, and the doorof communication was immediately closed. 

Tellers and bookkeepers started back to work, with various significantsmiles and nods. 

"Has to put his long hand down at last in his bag and get out thesecurities he had intended keeping for his old age, " whispered Pliny, turning to Dick, and then immediately adding: "Why, what's the matter, Dick, you look pale?"

"Nothing, " replied the other; but somehow he found himself stilllistening as if he really expected to hear further sounds from theinterior of the cashier's retreat. 

Voices reached them as if the two men were in earnest consultation. 

Then the door opened and Mr. Goodwyn poked his head out. 

He looked worried, much more so than Dick had ever seen him before. 

Yes, something had indeed happened, and a vague sense of impending perilseemed to overwhelm the boy, so that his knees actually quivered whilehe stood there, not through fear, for he had done nothing to bring aboutsuch a feeling, but simply nervous excitement. 

"Mr. Payson, kindly step in here, " said the cashier. 

The paying teller did so with alacrity, and remained inside some fiveminutes, finally returning to his desk without saying a word to any ofhis associates, and looking rather mystified and uneasy. 

Then Mr. Winslow was asked to join the two who were in the otherapartment, and when he too came out his face was white, and in his eyesthere seemed to be something bordering on dread, such as suspicion castupon his good name must always breed in the mind of a bank employee. 

Next the bookkeeper had his inning. 

Dick still waited, knowing that sooner or later he was apt to have histurn. 

Just as he expected, Pliny Kassam was not called upon; that must bebecause he had been absent up to the morning of this same day. 

As the bookkeeper resumed his work he did not look quite so jolly asusual; in fact a line as of new anxiety had come between his eyes, andDick imagined he gave a quick glance toward him as though something thatwas said had caused suspicion to be aroused toward the new messenger. 

"It's coming, whatever it all means!" Dick was saying mentally, as hetried to get a grip upon his pulses and fortify himself for the ordeal. 

Then his bell rang--he was wanted in the cashier's office. 

CHAPTER XIV

UNDER SUSPICION

One thing struck Dick as singular. 

As the bell rang that summoned him to the carpet in the cashier's officeit seemed as though the eye of everyone of his associates was raisedfrom the work that had employed their attention and was focussed uponhim. 

He even thought he could detect something akin to pity in these looks. 

He walked steadily over to the door, pushed it open and entered thesmall compartment of the head official of the bank, under the president. 

"Please close the door again, Richard, " said Mr. Goodwyn, solemnly. 

Why, it sounded like a funeral, and the cashier looked as though hemight be taken for the chief mourner; as for Mr. Graylock, he sat thereapparently wrought up to a high pitch of excitement, and drumming withhis fingers on the table. 

Dick gulped something down that seemed to be inclined to half stranglehim, and then set his teeth together, resolved to put a brave face onit, no matter what difficulty might arise. 

"Sit down here, Richard, where I can talk with you, " continued Mr. Goodwyn. 

The boy did as he was told, and looked calmly into the face of thecashier; if the other had anticipated discovering anything shifty in hismanner he certainly received as great a surprise as at any time in hislife. 

"Richard, do you remember the day Mr. Graylock was in here, and I calledyou to ask about that Classon matter, which you explained quitesatisfactorily--let me see, what day was it?" he said, turning to theeager merchant, who was devouring Dick with his eyes, and lookingactually savage. 

"Thursday of last week. I made a note of it naturally in my memorandumbook, for I might wish to substantiate the occasion when I called forthe securities again, " replied the merchant, grimly. 

Then it was about that packet after all; Dick had suspected something ofthe kind ever since he knew that Mr. Graylock seemed to be aroused oversomething, and had mentioned the word while standing in the doorway. 

"Yes, sir, I remember, " he replied, calmly, even while his heart wasfluttering with an unknown dread. 

"You also recall the fact that I handed you a packet, a buff envelope infact, secured with a rubber band and requested you to immediately placeit in the vault?"

"Yes, sir, I do, " answered the boy, respectfully. 

"Was this the package I gave you?" holding up the bulky envelope. 

"It looks very much like it, sir. "

"Take hold of it, Richard; tell me does it seem quite as full as when Ifirst placed it in your hands?"

"I do not notice any difference, sir, though of course I paid littleattention to the fact at the time, " replied Dick. 

"You went straight into the vault, because I can remember seeing you. Then my attention being attracted by something this gentleman was sayingI turned my head away, and did not think of you again. Just how long doyou think you were in there on that occasion, Richard?" continued thecashier, enunciating plainly, as if he wished to impress the seriousnessof the occasion upon the consciousness of the one he addressed. 

"I think not more than a few seconds, sir; only long enough to put thepacket on the shelf where Mr. Payson would be sure to see it as soon ashe came in, and place it in the inner safe. "

"Yes, I remember, I explained to you that anything placed on thatparticular shelf was intended to be lodged in the fireproof safe whenMr. Winslow had it open. A few seconds, you say, Richard. I wish I couldmake sure of that, my boy, " and he looked severely at the messenger. 

"Did you see that packet again after that?" asked Mr. Graylock, taking ahand in the examination. 

"No, sir. When I carried the books in at the close of business the shelfwas empty, so I guessed Mr. Payson had put it away as soon as hereturned from lunch. "

"Oh! you noticed that, did you? Take pains to stick a pin in that, Mr. Goodwyn, please; the boy was enough interested in that particular packetto look and see if it was still there! Now, tell me just why you thoughtanything about it, boy?" exclaimed Mr. Graylock, scowling as he bentforward the better to stare into the face of the one under suspicion. 

"I don't know why I should, but just happened to remember having placedit there. The books fit in a rack under that shelf. I suppose it wasonly natural for me to remember the incident, and give one look upthere. "

"Just so, " said the cashier, slowly, as if trying to grasp the tangledends to the mystery with which he so unexpectedly found himselfconfronted; "you appear to be wondering what all this means, and I willtell you. That buff envelope contained negotiable securities worth fullyone hundred thousand dollars. I saw them with my own eyes and evenhandled them, putting them back with the other papers myself just beforeyou were called in. I have taken this envelope out of the safe just now, and when Mr. Graylock scattered the contents on my table the securitieswere missing!"

So, that was what had happened, was it? and suspicion had alreadypointed its finger in the direction of the bank boy, simply because hehad held the buff envelope in his hands a brief time!

Somehow, now that the worst was known, Dick did not feel anything like atremor pass through his frame. 

Strong in the consciousness of his own innocence he could not see wherehe had been at all to blame; they could certainly not accuse him of amisdemeanor on the strength of mere suspicion in the mind of Mr. Graylock, who had shown so plainly the strange and unreasonable dislikehe bore Dick. 

"I am sorry to hear that, sir; but I assure you that I know absolutelynothing about the matter. I placed the packet on the shelf; someone putit away a short time later, and I have not touched it since. That is allI can say, Mr. Goodwyn, " he went on, with an expression on his youngface that might either mean sincerity or brazen boldness, according tothe way one chose to look at it. 

"But no one saw you come out of the safe that day. You may have beenthere a full minute; that would be long enough to open the envelope, extract part of the contents and put the rest away--that is, if you wereso minded, " said Mr. Graylock, vindictively. 

Dick grew very white, and a burning answer trembled on his tongue atthis direct accusation, but he wisely held himself in restraint, remembering that under the circumstances the distracted merchant couldhardly be blamed for what he was saying. 

"Stop and look at the matter a minute, sir. It hardly seems reasonablethat a green boy at the business should know all about negotiablesecurities, and take only such out of the envelope, leaving all others. In what way could I attempt to dispose of such things, since I havenever been out of Riverview in all my life? If these papers have beenstolen and are being offered for sale somewhere, it looks to me asthough some pretty clever man must have done the stealing, instead of abank boy. "

The cashier looked interested at what he said. 

"At least the boy talks sense, Graylock. If there is a leak in this bankwe are bound to discover it in short order. You need not worry about it, sir, since you are protected by our assurance that we will do all in ourpower to recover your securities; and if it can be proven conclusivelythat any one in our employ took them the bank is bound to remunerateyou, even though its resources be badly crippled in so doing. Mr. Gibbsis unfortunately away to-day, but I shall wire to him immediately. Untilhe comes nothing more can be done, " he remarked, positively. 

"And about this boy--what will you do?" asked the merchant, turning tofrown at Dick, as though in spite of all he either could not or wouldnot allow himself to get rid of the idea that the messenger knewsomething about the missing papers. 

"Nothing just now. There is really no tangible evidence that he took thesecurities, sir; you must admit that it is only suspicion as yet withyou?" returned the cashier, gloomily, gnawing at his upper lipnervously, and playing with his pencil by tapping it on the table. 

"But he handled the packet, you admit?" declared Mr. Graylock, stubbornly. 

"So did Mr. Payson, who declares he put it away on that day as soon ashe returned from lunch; so did I right here before your eyes. I havebeen trying to recall the exact circumstances of that day, but I seem tobe a little hazy, which, however, is not to be wondered at under thecircumstances, for this thing has given me a terrible shock, sir. Itwill be your duty to have some one find the man who offered one of thestolen securities to your friend, and in that way discover the identityof the guilty person. I shall be sorry for him when found; Mr. Gibbs isa martinet when it comes to duty, and the one who took those papers willundoubtedly have occasion to repent behind the bars. "

He looked at Dick as he said those last words, but the boy did not quailin the least, his calm eyes meeting those of the nervous cashiersteadily. 

"Innocent, or hardened, which, " was what was passing through the mindof Mr. Goodwyn, as he noted this unflinching behavior of the suspectedyouth. 

"Do you wish to ask me anything more, sir?"

"Are you in the habit of corresponding with anyone in Boston, Richard?"

"Not until a week ago, when a friend of mine who was in Florida the lasttime I heard from him wrote me from Boston. He addressed his letter tothe bank because he said he understood from another fellow in Riverviewhe corresponded with that I was now employed here. "

"Have you this letter?" continued the cashier, quietly. 

Dick put his hand to his pocket and drew out an envelope, which hestarted to open, and then turned scarlet with mortification. 

"I remember now that I was reading his letter again this morning whiledown near the river on an errand, a sudden gust of wind carried it outof my hand and over the fence. I had no time to hunt for it, and besidesconcluded it had blown into the river. But I kept the envelope toremember his address, " he said. 

Mr. Graylock laughed scornfully, almost triumphantly, Dick thought. 

"Let me see that envelope, young man, " he snarled, and having fairlysnatched it out of Dick's hand he gave one glance and then held it up. 

"Just what I thought! Look at that, will you, Mr. Goodwyn; up in thecorner is this firm address: 'Cassidy and Prime, Stock Brokers, Boston!'"

The cashier took the envelope, and then said huskily:

"This begins to appear like a serious thing for you, Morrison. I reallyfeel sorry for your mother. Sit down again; I am not yet through withyou!"

CHAPTER XV

MR. GRAYLOCK SEEMS DISAPPOINTED

Somehow or other Dick did not seem to be greatly alarmed by thesesignificant words of Mr. Goodwyn. 

Perhaps it was because he did not fully understand their import, orcatch the tremendous importance of that broker's address upon the emptyenvelope; then again the consciousness of his entire innocence may havehad something to do with it. 

Had he been asked, however, it is very possible the boy would haveimputed his bold front to the fact that he saw the look of almost savagedelight on the vindictive countenance of Mr. Graylock, and wasdetermined that he would give that gentleman little cause to gloat overhis apparent downfall. 

So he smiled as he sat down again and faced the uneasy cashier. 

"I don't see why you should be sorry for my mother, Mr. Goodwyn. I havedone nothing that I need be ashamed of, and she will believe me, nomatter what happens. I have been like other boys, in their sports and inplaying pranks, but Mr. Goodwyn, I never deceived her in my life, " hesaid, with some show of feeling. 

"That sounds very nice, Richard. I wish I could believe you. Of courseyou can see that this envelope needs immediate explanation; for yourstory about having a boy friend in that office is rather far-fetched, tosay the least, " the cashier went on. 

"I should say it did--fishy, I should call it, " muttered Mr. Graylock, with a shake of his head. 

"All the same it is true. His name is Frank Patterson, and he used tolive here in Riverview, " asserted the boy. 

"I remember such a boy; but that does not prove your assertion by anymeans. Do you know I can telegraph to that office and discover thetruth?"

He was watching the face of the other closely, expecting him to lookanxious; on the contrary Dick smiled broadly as he immediately answered:

"I wish you would, then, Mr. Goodwyn, or get them on the long distance'phone. I would like to ask you one thing, first, sir; it might save youthe expense of such a call. "

"Well, what is it?" coldly. 

"I said that the letter was torn out of my hand by a sudden gust ofwind, and carried over the fence toward the river, and that I had notime just then to try and find it again?"

"Yes, that is what you told us as near as I can remember--go on. "

"If that letter could be found on the meadow somewhere, and brought toyou, sir, would it help clear me in your eyes?" anxiously. 

The cashier considered. 

"It might go a long ways toward making me believe you spoke the truthabout having a friend in that office; the contents of the letter mightalso help. But I could not think of letting you go after it by yourself, you understand, " as a sudden suspicion flashed into his mind that Dickmight manufacture some sort of letter and try and palm it off for theoriginal. 

"Of course not. I was just going to ask if you would have some one youcould _fully_ trust go with me, sir, " the boy went on, laying anemphasis on that word that somehow made the gentleman wince. 

"Very well, Richard. I will take the place of Mr. Winslow for a time, and he can accompany you down to the river. I shall instruct him not toleave you alone for a minute--for your sake as well as my ownsatisfaction. If you are going to be cleared of this suspicion it mustbe thoroughly done. "

"Thank you, sir, " was all Dick said, but the smile he gave Mr. Graylockseemed to irritate that gentleman more than a little. 

So the receiving teller was called in and put in possession of suchfacts as seemed necessary for him to know, and in another minute he andDick left the bank, heading down the street toward the river, andleaving Mr. Graylock still sitting there, trying to pour poison into theears of the cashier concerning the wily ways of all boys in general, though in so doing he rather disgusted Mr. Goodwyn, who it happened hada couple of little kids at home himself. 

Mr. Winslow seemed to be worried as he strode along at the side of themessenger. 

"I really hope there's nothing in this affair, Dick, " he said, kindly. 

"Make your mind easy on that, sir; there isn't an atom of truth aboutit. I know nothing about the package or what it contained, any more thanyou do. I may have my suspicions about what happened to thosesecurities, but without any proof I don't dare speak about it. As tothis letter business it can be easily cleared up, even if they have tocall the Boston firm and ask particulars. "

"Where were you when the letter was snatched out of your hand by thewind?"

"Just a little ways further along; I think it was where that old boatlies pulled up on the shore by the creek. The road takes a bend there, and the letter was carried across the creek and into the meadow. If itwent on far enough it must have gone to the river; but I have an idea itfell down to the ground, and may have caught somewhere, " returned Dick. 

The other took an observation and saw that it looked reasonable, especially as the wind was still blowing rather stiffly, and came froma quarter that would have carried any piece of paper just as Dickdeclared. 

They crossed the creek by a little footbridge used by those who keptboats near by, climbed the fence by the meadow, and then startedstraight across, Dick keeping his eyes eagerly on the alert for any signof a white paper. 

Before they had more than half crossed the field, with the river halfhidden in the trees and brushwood beyond he gave an exclamation ofdelight. 

"Look over there, sir, just where that oak stands; there is somethingwhite in the scrub at its butt. Perhaps that may be what we are lookingfor. "

"I hope so, Richard, I truly hope so, " replied the tender-heartedteller, who had taken a great fancy for the boy, and felt deeply grievedover the calamity that seemed to be hovering over his head, for if Dickturned out to be a rogue Mr. Winslow believed he would never be able totrust any lad again. 

Hurrying forward they were soon at the base of the tree, Dick having hiseyes fixed upon the white paper that had become caught in the twigs ofthe brush. 

"It's the letter, all right, sir. Please take it out yourself. Mr. Goodwyn would not trust me to touch it, I'm afraid, " he said, a littlebitterly. 

So the teller immediately reached into the copse and gently but eagerlydrew the paper out; he scanned its entire contents before saying aword, while Dick watched the look of pleasure that began to steal acrosshis face. 

Presently the teller gave a big sigh of relief, and his first act was tosnatch the boy's hand and squeeze it fiercely. 

"It's all right, Dick, and I'm delighted more than I can tell you. Whatyou say is fully proven in this letter. Let them call up the firm ifthey want; you have nothing to fear from any exposure. Come, we will getback to the bank as fast as possible. I want to see the face of that oldreptile when he learns that the letter has been found, just as yousaid, " by which rather severe epithet he undoubtedly meant Mr. Graylock, whose evident animosity toward the bank boy he must have noticed. 

"I am glad the letter didn't blow further, and get in the water, forthen we never could have found it; but after all it wouldn't havemattered much in the end. They would have learned that I never sent asingle letter to that firm, and that I was unknown to them, " remarkedDick, as he trudged along at the side of the teller, whose eagerness toproduce the proof of the boy's innocence in so far as his accounting forthat envelope went was urging him to walk unusually fast. 

So they came presently to the bank. 

Mr. Goodwyn jumped up out of his chair when the two burst into hislittle room. 

The teller was waving the paper ahead of him, but his eyes were fixedupon the face of Mr. Graylock, and he was quick to see the look of keendisappointment that passed over it. 

"You found it, then?" asked the cashier, reaching out his hand eagerly. 

"Yes, lodged in the bushes, just as Dick said. And I think it will fullysubstantiate all he claimed, sir, " replied the teller. 

"Like enough he wrote it himself, and all this is a dodge gotten up by aclever young scamp, " grumbled the merchant. 

"For shame, Mr. Graylock; at least give the boy the benefit of thedoubt, " said the teller, indignantly. 

"If he didn't take the securities, then who did?" snapped the other, angrily. 

"Time will prove that, sir, " remarked Mr. Winslow, slowly, and itinterested him to see the old man look confused, as though he saw in theanswer a sterling reproof. 

Meanwhile the cashier had read the letter from beginning to end. 

He now looked up, and there was an expression of relief on his face ashe said:

"This letter seems to be genuine beyond the shadow of a doubt, Richard, and it proves your assertion that you have a friend in the employ ofthis broker; but to make assurance doubly certain I think I had bettercall them up on the 'phone and ask if they have ever had any dealingswith any one by the name of Richard Morrison. You have the numbers ofthose securities with you, of course, Mr. Graylock, for I may as wellask them at the same time whether they have had any of them in theirhands for disposal. Please give them to me, sir. "

But Mr. Graylock did not appear to be very sanguine that this would leadto any definite result. 

"Here are the numbers on this slip of paper, Goodwyn; but I don't thinkyou will learn anything that way. The fellow who would be clever enoughto slip those negotiable securities out of the envelope and leave theothers is going to be too smart to leave his trail exposed. This thingis bound to bring calamity down on my business, and I fear it will soonpass into the hands of my creditors; but remember, sir, if it turns outthat any one in your employ took those documents I shall hold this bankresponsible to the last dollar, " and so saying he hurried away. 

CHAPTER XVI

FORTUNE'S FAVORS

The cashier looked relieved after the departure of Mr. Graylock. 

As for the teller, he took occasion to shake his fist after theretreating storekeeper, and shake his head as though he bore the mananything but brotherly love. 

Dick stood there waiting for the cashier to speak. 

"You can go about your regular duties, Dick, and say nothing about whathas happened, to any one outside of the bank. "

"Then I am not discharged, sir?" asked the boy, a sign of moisturecoming into his eyes as he looked into the face of the cashier. 

"Certainly not. There has been nothing proven as yet. Others as well asyou have had access to the safe, and could, if they wished, have openedthe envelope and abstracted those papers. I must have time to think thisover. First I shall call up the Boston firm and settle that point. Then, when Mr. Gibbs gets here he and I will try to find out just what couldhave come of those securities. While you were out, Mr. Winslow, Isearched the safe thoroughly, in the hope that in some unaccountable waythey might have slipped out of the envelope, but they are certainly notthere. I am in a fog just now; but depend upon it, we will find out thethief. "

"I hope so, sir. Come, Dick, I have an errand for you, " and the kindlyteller threw his arm about the shoulder of the boy, and in this waywalked into the outer office. 

Every eye was immediately fastened on them, and the attitude of Mr. Winslow was enough in itself to assure Mr. Payson, the bookkeeper, andPliny that at least he was convinced of the boy's innocence. 

The balance of the day dragged heavily to every one. 

Business was almost at a standstill in the bank, for when the cashierwas not in evidence some of them were bound to drift together andconverse in whispers about the strange and terrible thing that hadhappened. 

Each one seemed to feel the weight resting upon his shoulders, for untilthe truth came out there must always be an uncertainty as to the entireinnocence of the employees of the bank. 

Mr. Winslow had to tell his part in the investigation several times, andthe letter was passed around until every one had read it; but Mr. Winslow insisted that it should not leave his sight until the bankerhimself had had a chance to see it. 

Finally, when released for the day from his duties Dick went straighthome. 

He held his head erect and walked as firmly as though honors had beenshowered upon him, instead of his being under suspicion of having stolenvaluable securities held in trust by the bank. 

Mr. Graylock had claimed that he intended to borrow enough on thesepapers to tide him through his present difficulties; personally, however, the cashier knew that he was in so deep that even this largeamount would only have stayed the inevitable for a short time. 

Dick, of course, did not know this fact, and having heard the owner ofthe big store declare that he would be ruined by his loss, he could nothelp but feel a certain amount of pity for him. 

His mind was in a whirl as he walked home, and in the maze he seemed tobe trying to grasp _something_ that continually eluded him, somethingthat if he could only capture it might give him a clue as to thesolution of the mystery. 

Like Mr. Goodwyn, the sudden shock had disconcerted him, and he seemedto be in somewhat of a fog as to the happenings of that day; resolutelyhe set himself to the task of straightening things out, and going overevery little incident that had occurred while he was eating his lunchand the two men were talking in the adjoining room. 

He had not dared mention this fact as yet to Mr. Goodwyn, for, on itsface, he feared that it would only serve to make his case more serious;since the fact would become evident that he knew the value of the papersin the packet. 

He had just reached the point where he took that one peep through thelittle knothole, and saw Mr. Graylock buttoning up his coat, with thatinscrutable look on his thin face, when he arrived home, and found hismother awaiting him. 

To his surprise she was smiling as though unusually happy, and this wasso unexpected that it gave him a pang to remember how he must bring newshadows upon her heart by telling how he was suspected of having done aterrible thing. 

"Good news, Dick, guess what it is?" she exclaimed, as she fondly caughthim in her arms and kissed him. 

"Not the resumption of paying dividends by that company?" he asked. 

"No, something as unexpected as a meteor falling out of the heavens. Ihave received word from a lawyer in Boston that a relative whom I hardlyknew belonged to the family has died, and left me quite a littlefortune--the lawyer could not say the exact amount, but it brings insomething like a thousand dollars a year. "

Dick could hardly believe his ears. 

What a day this had been, the evil mingled with the good; would he everforget it as long as he lived?

Of course, being a boy he immediately forgot all about his own troubles, and hugged his little mother until she begged for mercy. 

"Say, isn't that great? Did you ever hear of such luck, and just when itlooked as if we were near the bottom of the heap, too? Ain't it justbully? I feel as if I could whoop like a wild Indian. Now, mother, nomore worry for you, and a rest from all that miserable sewing that makesyour eyes red. Hurrah for the Morrisons! they're sure IT right now. "

His boyish enthusiasm was bubbling over in this fashion when he suddenlyremembered the distressing news he had brought with him; still, in thelight of his mother's glorious good fortune Dick somehow felt that hecould stand the odium of being under suspicion for a little while; for, of course, the truth must come out sooner or later. 

His friends at the bank believed in him, and if the cashier stillharbored any doubts he at least was a square man and meant to do theright thing; as for what Mr. Graylock chose to think, that could notmatter a great deal, for he had plainly shown that he was very muchprejudiced against Dick--in fact, come to think of it, he had by everymeans in his power striven to make it appear that the crime must lie athis door. 

Why should this be?

It was what puzzled Dick, and seemed to be the subject of much of hispondering. 

He waited until they were through supper before speaking of the uglymatter. 

Trust a fond mother's eyes for discovering that her boy had something onhis mind that even the glorious news received that day was unable todissipate. 

"Now tell me what ails you, son, " she said, as he snuggled down besideher on the settee on the porch; for the evening was balmy and the starsso bright they could not bear to sit inside by a lamp. 

She did not once interrupt while he told the story, beginning with theday he happened to be alone in the storeroom back of the offices eatinghis lunch when Mr. Graylock brought over the securities he wished toleave in the bank looking to the day he would have to borrow on them. 

When he had finished Mrs. Morrison sighed deeply. 

"I cannot see how any one could imagine that you had anything to do withthe disappearance of the papers, " she said. "I should say that some onewho was perfectly familiar with their marketable value must have takenthem. But it is evident that Mr. Graylock has made up his mind you areguilty, though it is incomprehensible to me why he should do so, ratherthan one of the tellers, or the bookkeeper; and he means to give you allthe trouble he can. Oh! how I fear that man. There is something abouthis face that makes me shiver whenever I look at him--something socrafty, so cruel. I do not believe he has the feelings of other men, orcares for a living soul beyond himself. "

"Now, don't feel so badly over this affair, mother dear. It will allcome out right, just as Mr. Winslow says. Mr. Graylock may find thatafter all he did not put the negotiable papers in the envelope--but no, that couldn't be, for the cashier owns to having handled them at thetime. Perhaps Mr. Graylock--" and there he abruptly came to a stop as adazzling thought flashed through his mind almost staggering him with itsimmensity, so that he fairly gasped for breath. 

"What was it you were about to say, Dick?" asked the lady. 

"Never mind, mother, I had better not finish my sentence. A suddenthought came to me, perhaps a foolish one, but anyhow I shall mention itto Mr. Winslow in the morning. Let us forget this trouble to-night, andonly talk about the wonderful fortune that has come to you. I want totake that letter from the lawyer with me to-morrow to show Mr. Goodwyn. You see if he heard we had come suddenly into some money he might thinkit looked very suspicious. "

She laughed at that. 

"I can see how your bank training is already making you very shrewd, myboy. I should never have thought of that, and how suggestive it mightseem, coming as it has just now. You shall have the letter, and now letus plan what improvements we can make in our little home when some ofthis bonanza comes in, " she said. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE INVESTIGATION

When Dick arrived at the bank on the following morning at his usual hourhe found that a sense of gloom had descended upon the inmates of theinstitution. 

Every one seemed to be depressed. 

In answer to his pleasant greeting the tellers and bookkeeper nodded andwent on with the work that held their attention, as though endeavoringto catch up with a press of business. 

At first Dick wondered whether there could have been any furtherdevelopments linking his name with the mysterious disappearance of thesecurities; then he wisely came to the conclusion that all of his fellowemployees were simply nervous over the coming interview with the head ofthe establishment, who might find some cause to suspect that the guiltlay with one of them. 

He went about his duties as quietly as though nothing had happened, andMr. Winslow, looking over the top of his desk allowed himself to give alittle nod of appreciation when he saw how determined Dick was not tolook like a guilty person. 

"That boy has grit, all right, " he said to his associate, when they cametogether in getting out the cash to begin the day's business; "most ladsin his condition would be scared half to death, and ready to break down. Dick is a chap after my own heart. Here comes Mr. Gibbs, and the cashieris with him. I believe he must have met him at the station, and has toldthe whole story on the way here. Now for it, Payson. This is a nastypiece of bad luck for us all, and I only hope we get out of itdecently. "

The two gentlemen were in the president's room for some time before anyone was called; then one of the tellers was summoned and remained therefor about five minutes, after which the other went in, followed by thebookkeeper. 

"Now it is my turn, " said Dick to himself as he saw this last gentlemancome out again, and beckon to him to enter. 

He found Mr. Gibbs looking very grave indeed. 

If the bank finally had to stand the loss it would make a big hole inthe resources of the institution; as the securities had simply beenplaced in the safe of the bank for security, at the risk of thedepartment store keeper, of course they could not be held accountablefor their loss unless it was proven that some one in their employ hadtaken them--Mr. Graylock assumed the chances of fire or any ordinaryburglary up to the time he actually gave them in charge of the bank andaccepted a loan on the papers, when the risk would be transferred tothe institution. 

Still it reflected upon the good name of his bank, even though Mr. Gibbsmight never be compelled by law to redeem their value to the owner. 

Of course, Mr. Gibbs had heard all about the letter from the brokers inBoston, and that matter was easily disposed of, for the cashier had beenin touch with a member of the firm by long distance phone, and learnedthat they neither knew of a customer by the name of Morrison, nor hadthey ever handled any of the listed missing securities. 

Mr. Gibbs was desirous of learning all about the events of that day whenDick put the packet on the shelf in the vault. 

Evidently the cashier had not yet been able to distinctly recall everylittle incident that had happened on that occasion, and Mr. Gibbs laidparticular stress upon the fact that besides Mr. Goodwyn, Dick and themerchant, there had been no one in the bank while the transaction wasgoing on. 

"You are quite positive about that, Richard--you three were the onlyones in the building during that noon half-hour, you say--not anothersoul about?" he continued to say, watching the boy keenly. 

"Except Mr. Hollister, sir, " replied Dick. 

The cashier started as if he had been shot, and turned red; he hadapparently quite forgotten that little point, which, after all, mighthave some bearing on the explanation of the puzzle. 

"Mr. Hollister, you say--one of our best customers, and a man ofunimpeachable honesty; in fact, a director in this bank; surely wecannot imagine for a moment that he could have anything to do with thedisappearance of these securities!" exclaimed the president, frowning atDick. 

"Oh! I did not mean that, sir, indeed, I had no thought of such a thing. Only you asked me if there was any other person in the building duringthat half hour when the rest were out to lunch. Mr. Hollister did notcome back of the railing; he only wanted to get change for a large bill, I believe, sir, " returned Dick. 

Mr. Gibbs glanced toward the cashier, who immediately nodded. 

"The boy is right, though I had really forgotten the circumstance. As Iwas the only one present to wait on him I made him the change. It onlytook me half a minute, sir, " replied Mr. Goodwyn, hastily. 

"H'm, at the time he came in you were seated with Mr. Graylock in yourroom. I understand?" said the president. 

"Yes, sir. "

"With the securities still on the table?"

"Done up in this buff envelope, just as you see them here, sir, " repliedthe cashier. 

The president looked at him as though he may have had a suddeninspiration; but remembering that another was present he refrained fromsaying what was on his mind. 

Turning to Dick he continued to question him. 

"Richard, you understand that while circumstances may put you under acloud for a brief time, if you are innocent of wrong doing, as I firmlybelieve, you have nothing to fear. Such a bold crime cannot be committedwithout the thief leaving some trace of his identity behind him. I shalldoubtless find it necessary to send to the city for an officer to comeup here and take up the investigation. You will not hesitate to tell himeverything he wishes to know, will you?"

"I have nothing to hide, Mr. Gibbs. Some one certainly took thosesecurities, and I would give a great deal to be the one to find them. Ihave told my mother all about this trouble, sir. Of course, she believesthat it would be impossible for me to take anything that did not belongto me, and especially such valuable papers as these were; but she is mymother, you know, sir. "

"Yes, I understand that, Richard. Of course the only temptation thatmight urge a boy, brought up as you have been, to do something of thissort would be the desire to place his mother beyond want. I have nodoubt the officer will lay considerable stress upon the fact that youhave found yourselves in straightened circumstances of late, and thatyou could not bear to see her suffer. "

"That is all ended, sir, " said Dick, smiling, for he knew what a bolt hewas about to launch in another moment. 

"How do you mean, Richard?" asked the president, curiously. 

"We have come into some money, left by a relative in Boston so farremoved that my mother hardly remembered her name, sir. "

"What! come into some money? Indeed!" and the president, just as Dickexpected, shot an alarmed glance across at Mr. Goodwyn, who also lookedvery serious. 

"Yes, sir, and you can well believe that it was welcome, too, " Dick wenton. 

"About how much did this sudden and surprising inheritance amount to, Richard?" coldly. 

"We do not know yet, but it will bring something like a thousand dollarsa year, which is enough to support us handsomely, sir, " returned theboy, smiling now at the mysterious looks exchanged between the twogentlemen. 

"Interest at four per cent, on about twenty-five thousand dollars. Thatis quite a lucky windfall, Richard; but, my boy, don't you realize whata terribly significant fact it would appear in the eyes of any one bentupon investigating the mysterious disappearance of these valuabledocuments?" and he laid a trembling hand on Dick's shoulder as hespoke. 

"Yes, sir; I thought of that, " replied the boy, cheerfully. 

"So that I sincerely trust you are in a position to show us someevidence that bears you out in your remarkable assertion. Fortunes dosometimes come to people, but seldom under such conditions as surroundyou at present. "

"That was just what I was telling mother, Mr. Gibbs. "

"Yes, and what did she say?"

"She declared that my month in the bank was making me a shrewd businessman, just because I suggested that she let me take the letter from theBoston lawyer, and bring it down here to show you when I told of ourgood luck, sir!"

"A letter--you have a letter from a lawyer then, and with you?"exclaimed the president, his face lighting up suddenly. 

Dick put his hand in his pocket and drew the letter out. 

"Here it is, sir; just as it was received yesterday by my mother. "

Mr. Gibbs immediately glued his face to the pages, type written, andfilled with legal phrases, but perfectly intelligible to his trainedmind. 

When he had finished he only said one word, "wonderful!" but keptrepeating it as he watched the cashier devouring the contents of theletter. 

"Did you ever hear of such a marvelous coincidence in your life, Goodwyn? Here, just after these papers are lost, and suspicion is turnedupon Richard, he and his mother fall heir to a neat little sum of money. My boy, I want to beg your pardon for suspecting that this incident onlyadded to the weight of circumstantial evidence against you. You haveproven entirely innocent in so far as this money is concerned. We willforget all about that now, and answer me a few more questions, if youplease, about that fatal day when this deplorable accident came aboutthat threatens to cause us so much trouble. Depend upon it we shallstraighten it out, and no matter who is guilty they will be punished. "

Still, when Mr. Gibbs said this, he did not frown and look at Dick asthough the threat was meant for him at all; no matter what the cashierthought, the head of the establishment seemed to be ready to pin hisfaith on the messenger boy, as though his ability to read character toldhim there could be no guile in those clear eyes that looked straightinto his own. 

After a little while Dick was allowed to go. 

He had answered every question to the best of his ability, and hewondered if after all the suspicions of the president could have beendirected in the same quarter as his own. 

All that day he held his counsel, and said nothing to any one about whatwas passing in his mind. 

Matters went on just as usual in the bank, for not a whisper about themissing securities had gotten out; though this immunity could not beexpected to continue long; for Mr. Graylock would have to explain to hiscreditors, who were gathering like a flock of buzzards about the carcassof a dead cow, how it came he could not raise the large sum of money hehad promised to have ready to liquidate a proportion of their claims, and then the public must know what had happened. 

Dick wondered also if he would be able to hold his head just as erectwhen he fancied people on the street were pointing at him and whisperingsignificantly. 

CHAPTER XVIII

THE RECEIVING TELLER FREES HIS MIND

The day dragged its course along, but it seemed as though closing timewould never come to Dick. 

He knew that Mr. Gibbs was busily engaged, and that he held severaltalks with some one over the wire; the cashier looked solemn enough tomake people imagine he had lost some of his family, for this was aserious piece of business with Mr. Goodwyn, and he felt it keenly, perhaps more than Dick imagined. 

The boy had determined that he would speak to Mr. Winslow about thesuspicion he was harboring, for he believed he was sure to find more orless sympathy in that quarter, after hearing what the teller had thoughtof Mr. Graylock. 

As the other got away some time before his duties were done he thoughtit best to approach him after the luncheon period--and a new rule hadbeen put in force now to the effect that one of the tellers must remainin the bank all the time, so that business might not be interrupted--itis easy to shut the stable door after the horse is stolen; but at leastby such an act a second robbery may be prevented. 

"I would like to ask your opinion and advice about something, Mr. Winslow, if I could see you somewhere after closing hours, " Dick said, coming up to the teller's window. 

The other thought a few seconds, as though he might be wondering whetherit would be good policy for them to be seen conferring together; then henodded and said:

"Come around to the post-office. I sometimes drop in there to giveStavers a lift with his books, as he is a poor hand at keeping accounts. Glad to hear what you have to say, Dick. No more unexpected fortunesdropping down out of the skies, eh?" for of course Dick had told theothers about the good luck that had befallen his mother, and even shownthem the lawyer's letter. 

"Not that I know of; but then I haven't been home yet. Once these thingsget to coming they say it never rains but it pours. We can stand allthat comes our way, I guess. Wait for me then at the post-office, please. It is mighty important--to me anyway, sir. "

The bank closed at three, but the tellers did not get away for anotherhour, and sometimes Dick had to stay even later. 

When he did finally get out he hastened to the centre of the town wherethe post-office was located, and asked for Mr. Winslow, who speedilyappeared, he having been watching for the lad. 

"Let us walk up this quiet street, Richard, and we can talk as we go. Now, what is it you want to tell me, and in what way can I give youadvice? We are all more or less worried at the bank again because Mr. Gibbs informed us that the government bank examiner may drop in on usto-morrow on his regular tour of the financial institutions, though wedid not expect him for another month. Go on, Dick. "

There was at least a promise of sympathy in the tone of the teller. 

"Perhaps you will think me foolish to imagine such a thing, sir, butsomehow, if you had only seen his face that day you might have a littlesuspicion too, " he said, half hesitatingly. 

"Meaning whom, Richard?" asked Mr. Winslow, encouragingly. 

"Mr. Graylock, sir. "

"And what day do you mean--the time he brought the securities over, andit fell to your lot to place them in the vault?"

"Yes, sir. Mr. Hollister came into the bank to get a bill changed, andthere was no one to attend to him but Mr. Goodwyn, who had to come outof his room for a minute and count out a lot of small change. "

"Yes, yes, I see, leaving Graylock there during that time; go on, Richard, " said the teller, suddenly beginning to show signs ofexcitement, as the idea Dick was advancing gradually began to take holdon him. 

"I don't know what caused me to do it, sir, and I suppose I should beashamed of yielding to the sudden impulse; but that man alwaysinterested me strangely; why, in church I have sat and watched his faceworking as he listened to the sermon, and could hardly take my eyes offhim. Anyhow, no matter, I confess that when I heard Mr. Goodwyn out inthe tellers' department speaking with the customer, I just stepped on mytiptoes and put my eye to a little knothole in the partition. "

"Yes, I'm following you, Richard; it was hardly the right thing to do, but boys seldom think of such matters. You peeked through andsaw--what. "

Mr. Winslow had by this time become so excited that he caught hold ofDick's arm and actually gripped him as though he might be afraid the boywould suddenly decamp, and leave his thrilling story but half told. 

"I saw Mr. Graylock. He was standing up and buttoning his coatnervously. I saw him turn his head and look around as though he fanciedhe had heard a noise. Perhaps I did kick a book that was lying on thefloor; but he didn't look at that little knothole, only toward the doorthat led to the outside office. Then he sat down again. I could see thathe was smiling as if pleased. Mr. Goodwyn came back just then, and Imoved away. "

The two looked at each other for a moment without another word beingsaid. 

Evidently the teller was allowing the information he had just receivedto soak in, where he could turn it around and begin to grasp the truesignificance of the incident. 

"Dick, I believe, my boy, you have struck on the true secret of thismysterious robbery, " the teller exclaimed. "It seems almost unthinkablethat any man could descend so low as to plan such a diabolical thing, and then try as best he could to throw it on the shoulders of aninnocent lad. If it turns out to be true nothing could be too severe apunishment for that rascal!"

"Then you don't blame me for thinking such a thing, sir? I was afraidyou might laugh at me, or even worse, accuse me of inventing somethingthat could never have happened. Oh! if you could only have seen the lookon his face as he stood there buttoning his coat up, you would neverforget it. I have dreamed of him every night since, and always with thatterrible look in his eyes. But, Mr. Winslow, could a man do such athing? I never heard of any one robbing himself before. "

"Ah! you have a good deal to learn yet, my boy. It would not be thefirst time a clever and unscrupulous rascal laid a plan to have itappear as though he had been robbed, so that he could profit from theconsequences. Mr. Graylock is in a bad box. His creditors are pushinghim hard, and I think that to-morrow his house will be in the hands ofthe courts. He declares that he was holding those securities to prop uphis business at the last hour; but Mr. Goodwyn has admitted to me thatthey would have been only a drop in the bucket; that the failure wasbound to come. Now you can see what object he would have in taking thepapers after they had been examined by the cashier; and in getting hisenvelope hurriedly in the vault without its being looked into again. "

"Yes, that is what I thought, though I hardly dared put it into words, sir. You mean that when I saw him he was buttoning up his coat becausehe had hurriedly taken those negotiable securities from the package andthrust them in his pocket?" gasped Dick, trembling with the excitement. 

"It could be easily done. Stop and consider, boy, almost immediatelyafterward, as if he feared lest the cashier might want to look at thecontents of his packet again, he suggested that they be placed in thesafe, and it fell to you to do this part of the work. Immediately hiswicked mind must have conceived the idea of casting suspicion on you. Inthat way he would kill two birds with one stone, satisfy his feeling ofvindictiveness toward you, and at the same time start suspicion inanother quarter. I have no doubt he had covered his tracks well, and ifone of his securities was offered for sale to a friend of his as heclaims, it was so arranged that it could never be traced as coming fromhim. But even the most cunning of rogues usually overdo the thing. Hissavage desire to place the blame on you instead of some one else in thebank looks suspicious, and may be the rock on which he will founder. "

"Oh! I can hardly believe such a terrible thing of any man; and yet, sir, the more I think of that expression I saw on his face, while thecashier was out of the booth, the more terrible it seems. But what canyou do to prove the truth? You could not accuse him of it openly? Hemight have us put in jail for slandering him. "

"I rather think we had better go a little slow, and see what turns up. Graylock is certainly in a hard box just now, and I imagine in adesperate frame of mind. Any man must be who would descend to play sucha scurvy trick, and see some innocent party suffer for his crime. Whatdoes he care if your mother's heart were broken by the fact of her boybeing accused of this deed? Nothing. He is a cold-blooded old scoundrel, and I hope that if it should turn out to be as we suspect, Mr. Gibbswill have no mercy on him. "

Mr. Winslow was certainly deeply aroused. 

"I am so glad I made up my mind to tell you about this, sir. It firststruck me hard while I was talking to my mother last night, " and Dickrelated the incident. 

They continued to talk as they walked along, and for half an hourconferred as to many plans whereby the truth might be discovered. 

CHAPTER XIX

NOT FOR SALE

On the way home that day Dick even mustered up enough courage to whistleagain, something he had not thought of doing ever since this blackshadow had fallen across his path. 

The mere fact that a man as astute as Mr. Winslow should agree that hissuspicion was founded on something worth looking into gave himconsiderable comfort. 

It was a terrible thought, but just as the teller had declared, he couldsee that things must have come to a bad pass indeed with the merchant, and that anticipating a smash in the near future he had possiblyconceived the scheme of making way with those negotiable securities inorder to defraud his creditors; when the storm had blown over he mightgo to some city, dispose of the valuable papers by degrees, and in thisway have enough to live on comfortably the balance of his days. 

On the way home Dick considered whether it were best to tell his mother;and as he had always made it a habit to keep nothing of any importancefrom her he determined to do so. 

She had ever been his best friend and adviser in the many difficultiesthat beset a boy, and more than once he had found that her wisdom farexcelled his own in bringing about a settlement of his boyish disputes. 

He found her anxiously awaiting his coming, for the strain had beengreat, and every minute beyond his customary time for returning wastorture to her fond heart, since, in imagination, she could see himbeing possibly arrested for something that any one with half a heartmust know he would never be guilty of doing. 

And so Dick told her what had passed during the day, winding up with hisconference with Mr. Winslow. 

To this latter Mrs. Morrison listened with bated breath, and a look ofalarm not unmixed with horror in her gentle eyes. 

She was unused to anything bordering on crime, and could hardly believethat a man might bring himself to such a point where he would robhimself. 

"But that isn't the point, mother, " said Dick, when the lady spoke ofthis fact. "If he did take those securities he wasn't stealing fromhimself but from his creditors; for you see they were part of hisresources, and would have to be produced in case of a failure, to helppay off his indebtedness. "

"Yes, I think I manage to grasp that part of it now, Dick, though youfinancial men should be more careful to explain such things togreenhorns. Do you suppose he will be arrested and made to produce themissing documents, son?" she asked, with a little laugh. 

"Oh! I do not think so. Mr. Winslow said we hadn't a bit of evidenceagainst him more than suspicion, and that is a poor thing to go on. Youthought so in my case mother, anyway. He told me to leave it to him, andin some way he'd find a chance to learn the truth. "

"What would Mr. Graylock do with the papers in case he did take them outof the envelope that day?" she asked. 

"Why, I suppose he would be apt to carry them home and hide them. Perhaps if some one could only watch him without his knowing it, thetruth might come out. If he does go under to-morrow, as Mr. Winslowthinks possible, he will be apt to stay around here for some timesettling up his affairs; and all the while the missing securities wouldbe safe in the place he has hidden them. But how can anybody get intohis house to find them? Ferd wouldn't think of asking _me_ there; and ifhis father found me under his roof there would be a row at once. "

"Better leave all that to Mr. Winslow, my boy. From what you tell me Ifancy he is a keen young man, and surely he will think of some waywhereby the truth may be made known. At least I hope and pray that itmay be so. If that wicked man has been guilty of this terrible thing hedeserves to suffer. "

So presently they fell to talking of happier things, and the plansspoken of on the preceding night in connection with certain needfulrepairs about the cottage were again taken up and discussed. 

In anticipation of the coming good fortune Mrs. Morrison was alreadybeginning to feel that happiness lay before them; and had it not beenfor this one cloud on the horizon of Dick's young business career shewould have believed herself without a wish ungratified. 

As chance would have it while they were still talking some one drove upto the gate in a little buggy and climbed down from the seat. 

"I think it must be Lawyer Cheatham, " said Dick, looking beyond theporch; "I wonder what he wants here at this time of night. "

His mother laughed softly. 

"I think I can give a guess, Dick. A week ago when things looked so darkfor us I went to see him about selling our little home. I reallybelieved that it might be necessary for us to leave Riverview and go tothe city, where I could find customers who would pay me better for mydressmaking than here, and if necessary you could get a place, for thereseemed no chance here. I went to see him and we discussed terms. He wasvery hard, and offered me much less than I thought the place ought tobring. So I came away determined to try and hold out a little longer. Ifancy he is coming now to make me a better offer. "

"Oh! he is, eh? Well, this place isn't on the market now, is it mother. You don't want to sell it, the house father built?" said Dick, earnestly. 

"No, no, not that, only as a very last resort, and thank Heaven we donot have to think of it now, " she answered, as the dark figure shuffledup the walk. 

"Good evening, Mr. Cheatham. Walk right inside, please. We were justsitting out here talking, Richard and I. Have a chair, won't you?" shesaid, hospitably. 

The lawyer was also a money-lender, and accounted a very shrewdcustomer. 

He was a dried-up specimen of humanity, and mumbled in talking as thoughnever certain how long he could hold his false upper set of teeth inplace; Dick had known him for years, but never fancied the old bachelor, who was said to be even richer than Mr. Gibbs, though he wore shabbyclothes and drove a rig that would have shamed most men. 

"Ahem! I have just dropped in to see you about the sale, Mrs. Morrison. I offered you twelve hundred for the place, counting the mortgages, andyou held out for fourteen hundred. Now, circumstances have arisenwhereby I am enabled to raise my bid to thirteen hundred. There is abouteight hundred due on the place, which will leave you an equity of fivehundred. Shall we call it a go, madam?"

"No, sir, I have changed my mind since I saw you, " replied the widow, smiling at his eagerness; for knowing his crafty ways she felt positivehe had found a chance to dispose of the pretty cottage at a very muchgreater sum, if he could only get possession of it. 

"Well, though the property is hardly worth it I must accept your termsthen, and give you the full fourteen hundred, though it will leave me ascant chance to come out even after I have made certain repairs, and putit on the market again, " he said. 

She shook her head in the negative. 

"You did not understand me, Mr. Cheatham when I said I had changed mymind. "

"Why, certainly, madam, every woman is given that privilege. I supposeyou have concluded to put the price up to fifteen hundred. It is aridiculous sum; but rather than disappoint a client who has set hisheart on securing this same house, I suppose I must submit to theinevitable and consent to pay that exorbitant price, " he went on. 

Dick could stand it no longer. 

He felt that since he was a man of business now, and the head of thehouse, he ought to have something to say about such a transaction asthis. 

"Mr. Cheatham, let me explain to you just what my mother means. Thishouse is not for sale, " he said, in positive tones that made the oldmoney-lender stare at him. 

"Not for sale, young man, when your mother came to me and begged me totake it off her hands? It was only a question of price, and I have evengone a hundred above her own figure. Surely she would not be so foolishas to lose such a golden opportunity, which may never occur again. Notfor sale--you must be mistaken, boy. "

"As she said to you, circumstances have also changed with us since shecalled on you. My mother has come into some money, enough to keep her incomfort all her life, and she does not mean to let this house, which myfather himself built, go out of her possession. You could not buy itsir, at double the price you offer. "

The lawyer and money shark jumped up from his chair as though he hadbeen fixed upon a spring like a jack-in-the-box. 

"Madam, is what your son tells me true?" he demanded, hotly. 

"Every word of it, Mr. Cheatham; I have been trying to say the samething but somehow could not get you to understand me. We do not intendto leave Riverview, and the property is withdrawn from sale, " shereplied. 

"Then I have been a fool to come out here to-night, " he growled, andshuffled out toward the gate. 

"A good riddance, and I hope he never comes here again. When he reallygot it through his head that you had fallen into a fortune the old beastlooked at you as if he could eat you, mother. If he ever comes courtingaround here I'll be tempted to do something desperate, the oldskinflint. He's the worst-hated man in all Riverview, even if he is therichest, " declared Dick, as he heard the vehicle moving down the roadwith sundry creakings and groanings, for they said Hezekiah Cheatham wastoo stingy to buy axle grease. 

"Richard, don't speak of such a thing again, even in fun. Like ourlittle cottage home I am not in the market. Now let us talk again ofthings more pleasant than Mr. Cheatham, or the missing securities. Whenwe put that new wing on, you shall have a den of your own; and I expectto enjoy the comfort of an up-to-date bathroom, something I have alwayswanted. But not a penny shall we spend until that delightful littleinheritance is safely in our hands. What a Paradise we can make of ourdear home in time, eh, Dick?"

And so they talked on as the time flew, picturing happy scenes, and moreof comfort than they had ever known; really it seemed to Dick that theshadow he had felt hovering over his devoted head did not appear soformidable after all, with a mother's love to take away its bittersting. 

CHAPTER XX

A RED LETTER DAY

The following morning was very damp and depressing. 

Lowering skies and a drizzling rain made a combination that must haveits effect upon even the cheeriest nature; and while Dick laughed asusual up to the time he left home for town, it was not long before hisspirits began to sink to a lower ebb. 

The situation that confronted him was far from reassuring. 

Even though there were germs of truth in the suggestion that Mr. Winslowhad seized upon with such alacrity, how could they ever hope to proveit, since there seemed to be no way in which either of them could enterthe home of Archibald Graylock, and make a search for the missingsecurities. 

He had to pass the big department store on his way to the bank; orrather, having a little time to spare he went out of his way a few pacesin order to ascertain what the crowd that he saw standing around meant. 

Something out of the usual run must have happened, for a score of peoplewith umbrellas over their heads could be seen in what seemed to beattitudes of curiosity, necks being craned and eyes turned toward thestore. 

Among them he saw several whom he knew had held positions in Mr. Graylock's employ, and this was a very suspicious fact. 

Seeing a young fellow he happened to know very well, and who had been aclerk in the place, Dick asked the usual question:

"What's going on here, Dud?"

The other shrugged his shoulders as he replied:

"The old man is in the hands of his creditors. They've shut him up, andI understand that it's a bad business all around--may not pay twentycents on the dollar. Meanwhile we're out of a job, and they do say thestore may never go on again. "

Dick looked surprised, as though he were hearing news; for it was hardlypolicy to let it be known that the failure of Archibald Graylock hadbeen discounted at the bank for several days. 

He stood around talking for a short time, until he was nearly due at thebank, and then hastened to his work. 

If anything it seemed even more depressing there than on the street. 

The atmosphere was so dense that lights were actually needed in thebookkeeping department in order that business might go on unimpeded;while the employees kept their heads bent down over their work, and notone had a smile to spare. 

Indeed, it seemed to Dick as if every one purposely avoided saying goodmorning to him as usual, though the chances were his imaginationdeceived him there. 

The truth was every one felt a weight resting upon his shoulders. 

A calamity had befallen the bank in the loss of the securities, anduntil this mystery was made clear suspicion must attach to every man inMr. Gibbs' employ. 

Already the president was in his room, a most unprecedented occurrenceat this early hour, and from time to time other gentlemen gatheredthere, so that it was evident that to a limited extent the bank wasbound to feel the fall of the leading merchant of the town, havingdoubtless granted Mr. Graylock favors from time to time. 

Mr. Goodwyn dodged in and out, a look of deepest concern on his smoothface, as if the cares of a great State rested upon him. 

Who could be cheerful under such conditions?

Dick sometimes felt a lump rising in his throat as the thought of hisbeing positively accused of stealing the lost papers came before hismind's eye; and it was with more or less difficulty that he carried onhis work. 

Everybody was nervous, and surely he had cause to feel so. 

To cap the climax there was a stranger in the bank, and at first sightof him Dick felt a chilly sensation, the man looked so keenly at him;for he really fancied that Mr. Gibbs had put his threat into execution, and brought an officer of the law into consultation, in order to clearup the mystery. 

Presently, however, he noticed that the stranger was looking over thebooks, and seemed to have free access to the safe, as though hisauthority to do just as he pleased was unquestioned. 

And when Dick also noticed how ungrudgingly the bookkeeper waited onhim, and was only too pleased to be called into consultation, hesuddenly grasped the truth. 

The government bank examiner, to be sure!

Mr. Winslow had said they expected a visit from one of these officials, who make periodical visits to all national banks, to see that they arecomplying strictly with the government requirements. 

It seemed too bad that he should time his visit just when there were somany things happening to cause anxiety among the bank officials; butthat was the way it often happened. 

Of course he had nothing to do with the fact of the securities beinggone; since that was a private affair between Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Graylock, and the bank could not be held accountable unless it wasclearly shown that one of the employees were guilty. 

About ten o'clock Dick's bell rang, and he went into the president'sroom. 

Here he found half a dozen gentlemen, all connected with the affairs ofthe bank, sitting about the directors' table as though they had been inserious consultation. 

Mr. Gibbs was at the head. 

The others looked very sober, but Dick rejoiced to see that thepresident apparently was as clear-headed as usual; and whether his smilewas forced or natural it certainly gave the messenger boy new hope thatthe affairs of the bank could not be in such grave peril after all. 

For that was what he was beginning to fear from the grave looks of somany people around him. 

"Richard, I wish you to go to the stable where my horse is kept, tellJerry to hitch him up for you, and then drive as fast as you can to myhouse with this note. Give it to my wife, and wait until she hands you apackage. Be very careful, my boy to get that safely here without delay. I would send the porter with you but he is sick, and the others are verybusy, with the bank examiner in charge. I can trust you to perform thisservice promptly, Richard, can I not?"

Dick felt his heart in his throat, so to speak, as the president thuspublicly announced the faith he had in his integrity; coming as it didon the heels of that strange disappearance of Mr. Graylock's securities, and the suspicion that for a brief time had fallen on his shoulders, italmost unmanned the messenger, so that there were actually tears in hiseyes as he looked straight at Mr. Gibbs and said as resolutely as hecould:

"Yes, sir; I would do anything for you. "

"I believed as much, Richard, or I would not send you, for it is veryimportant that you get the package to me without loss of time, " said thepresident, kindly. And Dick, as he hastened after his cap and umbrellawas saying to himself that Harvey Gibbs could read a boy's soul betterthan any man in the world. 

"Where away, Dick?" asked Mr. Winslow as he saw the boy pass his window. 

"On an errand for Mr. Gibbs, sir, " replied the boy. 

"Can you take these notices with you, Dick?" asked the bookkeeper, holding up a bunch of papers, such as the bank messenger was in thehabit of delivering on his rounds. 

"Not just now, sir. I am in a great hurry. "

He waited no longer to explain things, but hastened around the corner tothe livery stable where, as he knew, Mr. Gibbs kept his horse wheneverhe drove in alone; sometimes his wife or Bessie came with him, and whenthis occurred the vehicle of course, was driven home again. 

Dick knew the livery-stable keeper well, and Jerry, understanding thathe was now employed in the bank had no hesitation in giving him the rigwhich Mr. Gibbs had driven to town that morning. 

In a few minutes Dick was off, and hurrying the animal along as much asseemed consistent; fortunately the boy loved horses, though he had veryfew chances to exhibit his skill in managing them, and when he foundthat the animal between the shafts was capable of putting upconsiderable speed his pulses thrilled with satisfaction. 

Many a time had he tramped over that road while going out to hisfavorite fishing hole; but never did it seem one half so short as whenhe dashed along behind that high stepper. 

One of the first persons he met on the road was Ferd Graylock, whostopped to stare after him; he also called out, but Dick was unable tohear what he said, so rapid was his pace--he could only wave his handbackward in recognition, and continue to urge the horse along. 

In this fashion he reached the fine country place of the banker, which, as has been said before, extended over quite a number of acres, and randown to the river at the point just above the fishing hole Dick sodearly loved. 

He sprang out and tied the steaming horse to the hitching post. 

Then he ran up to the front door, which appeared to be wide open, asthough one of the maids might have been doing some cleaning thatmorning. 

Dick reached out his hand to press the button that would summon aservant to the door when he was thrilled to hear a sudden scream fromsome portion of the house. It was so full of terror that the boy did nothesitate an instant about entering without an invitation. 

The screams continuing led him in the direction of the trouble, whichseemed to be on the second floor. 

He passed a maid as he ran, who seemed to be fairly paralyzed with fear, for she stood there like a post, with her hands clasped, and her lipsmoving, as though calling on her patron saint to take care of her. 

Dick chanced to be a boy who in an emergency acted first and thenconsidered afterwards; and it proved that he had need of thischaracteristic just then if ever in his whole life. 

He scented smoke even before he burst through the half open door of aroom and saw Mrs. Gibbs frantically slapping at the garments of herdaughter with a wet towel, while the window curtain and shade wereburning fiercely. 

 [Illustration: DICK SPRANG FORWARD. _Dick the Bank Boy_ _Page 164_]

Dick sprang forward. He never once considered that this might be anopportunity to distinguish himself; but only remembered that human lifeand the home of his employer seemed in jeopardy. 

CHAPTER XXI

GOOD WORDS ON EVERY SIDE

Tearing down the blazing curtains, of which there were only a few shredsleft, Dick trampled them underfoot until he had seen that there wasreally no more danger to be feared from that source. 

In extinguishing the fire he had used his hands as well as his feet, andif he received a number of painful burns in doing this, at the time hedid not know it. Then turning swiftly he helped Mrs. Gibbs and Bessieslap out the last vestige of smouldering fire in the ruined dress of thegirl. 

Bessie was as pale as death, and her mother quite as bad; the latterkept saying anxiously as she hugged her pretty daughter:

"Oh! are you sure you are not badly burned, dearest, are you positive?"

"Nothing to speak of, mother, only a trifle on my hands. Oh! what aterrible accident, and what would have happened to the house and perhapsall of us if Dick had not just happened to come, " said Bessie, turning alook on the boy that thrilled him to the heart, and which he could neveragain forget. 

"God bless him! It was a miracle that he chanced to be here. Harveysaid he might send some one to the house. How thankful I am for theblessings that have been poured out upon us. Oh! how did it happen, mychild? You frightened me nearly out of my senses, and when I ran in hereto see you in flames it gave me the worst shock of my life. Tell me whathappened. "

"It was that little liquid alcohol stove, mother. I was pressing somelace with a hot iron, and it upset, the burning alcohol flying over thecurtain, which flashed up instantly. Some must have splattered on mydress, for though I sprang back it seemed to be on fire in severalplaces. But it is all over, and there has been no great damage done. Dick, this is the second time you seem to have come like magic when Ineeded you most. First Benjy's life was in danger, and now my own, " andthe impulsive girl seized his hand and squeezed it, nor did the boy carejust then how vigorously she showed her gratitude. 

The servants now came running up, looking frightened; and rememberinghis message Dick handed his note to the agitated lady. 

When she had read it she asked him to wait down in the drawing room fora short time, for her mind was still so distracted by what she had gonethrough that she could hardly remember what it was her husband wishedher to do in case he sent a messenger out to the home place. 

Here Dick was presently joined by Bessie, who had donned another frockin place of the one ruined by the various holes burned by the flamingalcohol. 

It had been a mercy that as it happened she was wearing a dress made ofa material not readily inflammable, or the result might have been muchmore serious. And when Bessie joined him she brought with her some softlinen and a salve particularly good for burns, which Dick was not sorryto see, for by this time he was conscious of a stinging sensation abouthis hands that proved he had suffered considerably from the fire at thetime he so swiftly tore down the burning curtains and shade to tramplethem underfoot. 

"Let me look at your hands, Dick, " said the girl, with solicitude in hervoice. He held them out rather shyly, for they were somewhat blackened, as well as inflamed. Immediately she showed the utmost concern. 

"You poor fellow, you are burned twice as badly as myself, and you theinnocent party in the bargain. Just let me go and get a basin of waterand a towel. I'm to be the doctor for the present. You must do what youare told, sir. "

He laughed, for after the excitement was over he found that it wasmighty nice to be looked upon as a hero, though he did not think hedeserved all this fuss being made over him, just for stepping on a fewlittle burning rags; why, he had been burned worse than that once whenwith some boys in the woods, and nobody bothered about it until he gothome and his mother found out. 

So Bessie bathed his hands, and tenderly wrapped the left one in softlinen, after greasing the inner cloth with the soothing ointment; why, this was just fine, and Dick thought he could stand such an experienceevery day in the week; although of course he would not like to know thatBessie was placed in peril again. 

The time slipped past, and Dick began to grow uneasy, for he had beenfully half an hour at the house, and he knew a party of anxiousgentlemen were waiting in the president's room at the bank, for hisreturn. 

Finally, when he was about to beg Bessie to go in search of her mother, the lady appeared, carrying a little package in her hands. 

"Be very careful of this, Richard, for it contains valuable securitieswhich my husband brought out from the city with him recently inanticipation of a sudden need. Here, let me fasten it inside yourcoat--yes, it will just go in that pocket nicely, and I can pin itthere--a woman's device, but securing safety. And I have taken thetrouble to write a few lines to Harvey, explaining the delay. Give it tohim with the package. My boy, we can never cease to be grateful to youfor your bravery. God alone knows what might have happened here had younot chanced to be at the door. Your mother has reason to be proud ofher boy, " and with tears in her eyes she kissed him. And Bessie did thesame. 

It was with a tumultuously beating heart that Dick Morrison ran out ofthe house, down the front steps, and hastily untying the horse, jumpedinto the buggy and was off like the wind. 

This was another red letter day in his life, one he could never forget. 

If he had made fast time in going out to the banker's home he certainlyfairly flew on the return trip, using the whip in a manner thatsurprised the horse, and sending him galloping madly along the road. 

He reached the bank, jumped out, threw the lines over a hitching-post, and fairly flew up the steps. 

As he burst into the president's room without even the formality ofknocking he found himself the object of frowns on all sides, showingthat his prolonged absence had been the subject of unfavorable comment. 

Even Mr. Gibbs had his watch in his hand and looked at him reproachfullyas he entered; perhaps the president may even have begun to fear that hehad shown a lack of wisdom in sending a mere lad, already under the banof suspicion on account of one robbery, to get another precious packageof securities. 

"You have been a very long time, Richard, " he said, as the boy stoodbefore him, breathing hard from his exertions. 

"Yes, sir, " was all Dick said, unfastening the package, and taking itwith the note, from his pocket. 

As the president eagerly took them from him he naturally noticed thebandage which Bessie had so solicitously tied about his left hand. 

"An accident, Richard?" he inquired, still frowning, but evidentlyrelieved to have the expected papers safely in his possession, formatters were getting critical in Riverview just then, and it wasnecessary that the bank show a strong financial front to weather thestorm. 

"Yes, sir, " replied the boy again, standing there, waiting to bedismissed. 

"Gentlemen, here are the securities I spoke to you about. They are myprivate property, but I am determined that no reproach shall fall uponthe bank, and it is my intention that they shall be placed at yourdisposal. Kindly examine them. Richard, you may go--but stay, what isthis? Great Heavens!"

Evidently his eyes had roamed down the page his wife had written, evenwhile he was speaking, and something had caught his eye that gave him aterrible shock. 

Dick waited. 

He saw the banker continue to read, his eyes enlarged, and his breathsuspended for the moment. 

Then he felt his hand tenderly taken, and himself brought face to facewith the agitated banker, who looked at him as Dick had never seen a manlook before. 

"God bless you, my dear boy!" he said, in trembling and hoarse tones;"it must have been a premonition that caused me to believe in you, andsend you on that message. Gentlemen, listen to me. I wish you to dohonor to this brave lad, but for whose valor and promptness I might atthis moment be mourning the loss of my house, and perhaps even worse, for both the wife and daughter were in peril. Did you ever know of amore especial favor of Providence than the fact of his being at the doorof my house just when an explosion and a fire imperiled all I hold dearin the world?"

They crowded around, asking questions, and reading, the note which Mrs. Gibbs had sent; for the time being even the peril of the bank was asecondary consideration. 

Dick was confused by the clamor, and blushed like a schoolboy giving hisfirst declamation, so that he was really glad when Mr. Gibbs, seeing hisuneasiness, told him gently that he could go. 

That was a proud moment for the bank boy; he felt that he had everyreason to rejoice that a strange Providence had sent him to theassistance of Bessie and her mother just when they most needed a quickeye and a ready hand to prevent the fire from spreading; for in a fewminutes, before the servants could have summoned courage enough toappear in force, it must have gotten beyond control. 

He found that there was considerable curiosity shown by the others inthe bank, who had seen his hurried entrance; but Dick had learned tokeep a still tongue, and he said not a word; even when Pliny asked abouthis bandaged hand he simply answered that he had burned it a little. 

The other looked down and took hold of the outer covering, with achuckle. 

"What's this, a lady's soft handkerchief, with an initial in thecorner--B; now that stands for Bessie, eh?" he said, looking expectant;but all he had in return was one of Dick's smiles that might stand foreither yes or no. 

But when the bank boy returned from taking the horse to the stable andthen going his regular rounds he found that the directors had left thebank, apparently in a good humor, for they were smiling and joking amongthemselves; and also that every one knew of his recent adventure, showing that Mr. Gibbs or the cashier had taken pains to relate thestory. 

CHAPTER XXII

A REMARKABLE BIT OF INTELLIGENCE

"You certainly beat anything I ever saw when it comes to downright luck, and that's the truth, Dick, " said Mr. Winslow, as he stepped out andjoined the other when banking hours were done; which on this day was notuntil an unusually late hour. 

"I am beginning to think so myself. There was that incident of theprecious kitten which I saved from drowning, and through that secured myposition in the bank; and to-day I was fortunate enough just to beJohnny on the spot when some one was needed to jump on that little blazeand put it out, " returned the boy, wondering why the teller had waitedto see him, and anticipating some news in connection with the matterthey were planning in common. 

"You are evidently monopolizing all the talent in that line just atpresent, so there is hardly any show for the rest of us. Hurry up andget through, Dick, so the field will be open. I can see easily enoughthat the firm name will some day be changed to 'Gibbs & Morrison'" wenton Mr. Winslow, laughing. 

"Don't look so far into the future, please; but tell me what there isnew. I've been so busy to-day that I couldn't find time to see you. Iunderstand that Mr. Graylock is in the hands of the assignee, and thathis creditors will be lucky to get thirty cents on the dollar. Do youknow anything about the missing securities, Mr. Winslow?" asked Dick, wishing to draw the conversation into a channel less personal. 

"I only wish I did. But nevertheless, there's a chance that somethingmay be done before long. I've interested Mr. Cheever in the matter, "remarked the teller, looking down at his companion slily as he spoke, tosee what effect his words had. 

Dick appeared startled. 

"Why, that's the bank examiner, isn't it? What on earth interest couldhe have in the matter at all? It would hardly be a part of his businessto go around hunting up lost securities; and besides, was it wise to lethim know that we have been careless in handling such things? It mightgive the bank a bad name, don't you think, Mr. Winslow?" he asked, quickly. 

The teller laughed outright at this. 

"You are showing wonderfully discreet abilities Richard, and I caneasily prophesy a great future for you. It happened by the merest chancethat I had met Mr. Cheever before, down in Boston, when he was knownunder another name, " he said, mysteriously. 

"What? Mr. Cheever--isn't that his real name, and he a bank examiner?"

"So-called just at present. Dick, he begged me not to say a word to anyone in the bank, but I told him I _must_ take you into my confidence, since we were working this thing together. He also declared that yoursuspicions might be well founded, and that he would take measures toinvestigate the interior of Mr. Graylock's home without that gentleman'sknowledge. "

Then light suddenly burst in upon Dick. 

"I begin to see what you are hinting at--he is no bank examiner at all, but the officer Mr. Gibbs said he would have to send for!" he exclaimed. 

"Exactly; a detective who is accustomed to handling such cases, and whowas once a genuine bank examiner, so that he knows just how to go aboutthese things so as not to excite the suspicions of bookkeeper ortellers. Payson does not suspect the truth, nor do any of the others. Indeed, I am not sure that even the cashier knows it. So you see he isable to work inside the bank without suspicion being aroused as to hisreal character. Of course, his idea was that it had been an inside job, for it really seemed impossible that any one outside could have takenthe papers from the vault. As I said it happened that I knew him, and heimmediately bound me to secrecy. But after I had a chance to talk withhim this noon he drew around to _our_ opinion, to the effect that thesecurities which Mr. Graylock claims were stolen from his packet neverwent into the safe at all!"

Dick was vastly interested in all this news. 

He had never seen a real live detective in his whole life, and the wayin which this smooth gentleman seemed to be working in his capacity as aregular bank examiner was simply wonderful, in his opinion. 

"If all this is so I don't wonder that you told him what we suspected. And you say, Mr. Winslow that he took to the idea at once?" he asked, breathlessly. 

"Like a hungry dog does to a bone. Said he was up a tree, for it didn'tseem as if the thief could be any one in the bank, for not a trace hadbeen left behind. He has met Mr. Graylock--the president attended tothat, and I think that his opinion of the gentleman agrees with our own, and that he would not put it past one of his showing, under the peculiarconditions existing, to carry out such a clever little scheme to featherhis own nest at the expense of his creditors. More than that Mr. Cheeversays it is rather a chestnut, and has been worked often. "

"But he did not happen to think of it?" interjected Dick. 

"Oh! he says he would have come around to that idea after he had madepositive that none of us poor beggars in the bank had purloined Mr. Graylock's bundle; but all the same he was mighty greedy to hear everydetail of what happened that day. He said he would have a talk with youto-morrow, when he found a chance, seeing that I was bound to tell youabout his dual character. It's a dead secret, remember, Richard. "

"Certainly, sir; I shall not speak of it to any one, but my mother. "

The teller looked doubtful at first, and then smiled. 

"I guess it will be all right to take _her_ into your confidence, sinceshe seems to be a woman in ten thousand who can keep a secret; but besure and impress this fact on her, Richard. You've had a great day ofit, my boy, a wonderful day. Really I envy you the pleasure of tellinghow you received those honorable burns; and I'd give something to have apretty girl tie up my hand in her own dainty kerchief. "

"Now you're joshing me again, Mr. Winslow. Of course she and her motherfelt as if they couldn't do enough for me; but then you know, that's theway with the women folks. I'd like to have run away you see, but I hadto wait for the package Mr. Gibbs sent me after. "

"You're altogether too modest, Dick. Most boys would have puffed outwith pride after doing such a thing; but I like you all the better forit, my boy. Now, if that bank examiner finds a chance to talk with youto-morrow, just put him wise to all you know about the happenings ofthat day, especially as to what you saw at the time you peeked inthrough that blessed knothole--I use that word, you understand, becauseit is going to figure a whole lot in the final discovery of thosemissing securities. Don't forget, now. "

"I certainly won't, " replied Dick, accepting the hand of the friendlyteller in his one good palm, and yet wincing with the pressure hereceived. 

He anticipated with keenest pleasure his meeting with his mother, andwondered if those wise eyes of hers would note his color when shediscovered the dainty kerchief of Bessie Gibbs pinned around his lefthand--he meant to keep it always as a souvenir of that exciting time. 

And so he came home at last. 

Just as he expected she immediately discovered the fact of his havinghis hand bound up; for little news reached the rather secluded home ofthe widow, and no neighbor had chanced to hear the story of what hadhappened at the home of the banker. 

"What is the matter--have you had an accident, son?" She exclaimed, taking his hand in hers. 

Then she looked more closely, and he knew that she had noticed thekerchief. 

"Don't worry, mother; it's only a little burn, nothing serious at all, "he said. 

"But who put this here--a lady's handkerchief, too? Something hashappened, I can see it in your eyes. Tell me at once, Dick. What newdanger have you been in now?" she went on, putting her arm around him asthey walked toward the door. 

"None at all, mother. There was just the littlest bit of fire, and Itore down the curtains and shade, never thinking of my hands. Why, itwas all over in three seconds, I believe. "

"Curtains--shade--where was this?" she asked, anxiously. 

"At Mr. Gibbs' house. He sent me up after some papers, and I was just intime to jump in and play volunteer fireman. You see they insisted ondoing my hand up in this ridiculous way, and made me promise not to takeit off until you could dress it again to-night. But it doesn't amount tomuch, I give you my word, mother. "

"Oh! come and sit down and tell me all about it. Supper can wait. Ibelieve you have been in danger and won't say so for fear of frighteningme. Did their beautiful home burn down--what a pity that would be? Andwhat caused it all. "

"One question at a time, mom. I might as well tell you the whole story, because I know I won't get a bite of supper until I do. But they madetoo much of such a little thing, sure they did. "

So Dick in his own modest way related how he had happened to be at thedoor of the banker's house when the terrible accident occurred thatmight have caused a severe loss if the fire had been allowed to runriot; he even declared that he believed the flames would have died outeven though no one had come; but the fond mother, reading between thelines, knew that she had good reason to feel proud of her boy thatnight, and in her heart she undoubtedly sent up prayers of gratitudethat he had come through the incident with so little harm. 

Dick kept his other news until the time when, as usual, they sattogether on the little porch, Mrs. Morrison having bound up his handagain, and pretending not to notice how eagerly the lad secreted thelittle kerchief that was now in sore need of cleansing. 

Then he told of the events of the day, and Mrs. Morrison hung on hiswords as if they thrilled her to the core; her boy was an actor in thisstrange little drama that was being gradually unfolded, and when thefinal scene was reached it would be found that Dick had had more thanhis share to do with the solving of the riddle as to what had become ofMr. Graylock's missing securities. 

CHAPTER XXIII

NEARING A CLIMAX

Just as Mr. Winslow had said, the suave gentleman who was making himselfso much at home in the bank managed to get out at a time Dick had anerrand, and the boy was not very greatly surprised to find himselfwaylaid on the road back. 

"Dick, Mr. Winslow tells me that you know all about the reason I amhere. Now, I like your looks, my boy, and I can see that you are able tokeep a still tongue between your lips, so I feel positive no one will beany the wiser on account of your knowing my real character, " he said, drawing the other to one side, where they could chat without any oneoverhearing what was said. 

"Yes, sir; I'm ready to answer whatever questions you ask, though Idon't think I can tell you anything new. "

"That remains to be seen. But at any rate it will give me a chance tohear what I want at first hands, and put my own construction on it. There is a good deal in that, you know. "

Thereupon he began to fire away with his questions, and bit by bit drewout the entire story of that one day's happening; now and then he wouldgo over some point and try to see if Dick would contradict himself, butthe result was always the same. 

"You are a gilt-edged witness, Dick. You never changed your story aparticle. I think I have learned all I want now, " the other said, inconclusion. 

"And what do you think, sir--was my later suspicion founded on anythinglike fact, or did I allow my imagination to have too big a grip on mewhen I peeped through that little hole and saw that look on his face?"asked the boy. 

The man smiled and shook his head. 

"We have to keep our ideas pretty close, Dick. What I think I might notlike to say; only that you were far from being a fool when you allowedyourself to think as you did. Time will tell. I will begin to lay myplans, although days may go by, and I will vanish from this regionbefore I find the chance to carry out the last desperate part of mylittle scheme. Thank you for all you have told me. It has helped mevery, very much, my boy. "

Later on Dick saw the gentleman once more at work in the bank. 

He acted his part to perfection, and not even the bookkeeper seemed tohave the slightest suspicion that Mr. Cheever could be anything otherthan he claimed. 

Of course, the fact that he had formerly been a bank examiner beforetaking up his present profession of investigation made it easy for himto play the game. 

But it promised to be the easiest similar task the anxious bookkeeperhad ever gone through with; for at the end of the second day thegentleman complimented him on his accurate accounts, and the bank on itssolvent condition; after which he was closeted with Mr. Gibbs and thecashier in the president's room for an hour, came out, gravely shookhands all around, and departed. 

The bookkeeper heaved a mighty sigh of relief. 

"That job's off my hands for six months or more, " he said, with evidentsatisfaction. 

Dick could just catch the little chuckle that the receiving tellerallowed to escape him upon hearing this remark; but by no look did Mr. Winslow betray his consciousness of a knowledge of the truth. 

Things went on for two days just about as usual. 

The failure of Archibald Graylock proved to be worse than was at firstsupposed possible, and it was now declared that after the affairs of thebankrupt firm had been adjusted the creditors might receive even lessthan twenty cents on the dollar. 

Mr. Graylock went about looking quite forlorn, as a man whose businesswas ruined might be expected to appear; but once when he was passingout of the bank Dick, watching closely, felt sure that he saw a littlesneer pass over his angular face, as though some sudden thought hadpleased him. 

Dick was treated with the utmost kindness by every one for all knew thestory of the fire, and Pliny never ceased to deplore the wretched fatethat seemed to debar him from playing so heroic a role. 

When he could do so Dick sought out the teller, for he was anxious toknow whether Mr. Cheever was at work, even though unseen by those in thebank. 

"What news?" he asked in a low tone, stopping by Mr. Winslow's desk asif waiting for some document to place in the vault. 

The other glanced hastily around before replying. 

"Nothing as yet, but I saw _him_ last night, and he gave me reason tobelieve he might have something to show for his work to-day, " he repliedin a low tone. 

Dick understood what this meant. 

Mr. Cheever had been prowling around the Graylock home, and believed hesaw a way to effect an entrance during the absence of the owner, whosehabits he had carefully studied. 

Would he be able to discover anything there?

Might not Mr. Graylock, granting that he was guilty of abstracting thosesecurities with the intention of defrauding his creditors out of theirjust dues, be cunning enough to conceal them where no one would thinkof looking?

He advanced this theory to the teller in a whisper. 

Mr. Winslow smiled encouragingly. 

"You don't know our friend as well as I do, Dick. He is a wonderfullygifted man for prying into secret places, and seems to know just byintuition where one would be apt to hide anything. Don't worry abouthim. If he gets in he'll rummage that house from top to bottom, and tento one there'll be something doing, too. I'm expecting to see himwalking through that door at any minute now, and passing back into thepresident's room. "

Dick moved away, for the bookkeeper was approaching, with a look ofconcern on his face. 

"Say, Winslow, do you know, the porter was telling me just now that hebelieves he saw that bank examiner in town last night. I told him hemust have been mistaken, but he vowed he was positive. Now, what do yousuppose that fellow has come back here for, and after he publiclycomplimented me on the admirable manner in which my books were kept, too?" and the industrious knight of the ledger and the daybook had sucha look of worry on his face that it was all Mr. Winslow could do to keepfrom laughing outright. 

"The porter may have been mistaken after all; or even if he did see thegentleman that fact need not give you any alarm. Possibly he is doingsomething for Mr. Gibbs; or else has been engaged to straighten out thebooks of the defunct firm across the way. Forget it, and be happy, " hesaid; and the other went back to his desk shaking his head as if he didnot fully like the situation. 

Dick found himself looking toward the door every time any one came in, and fervently hoping that Mr. Cheever might show up; for if he came itwould doubtless signify that he had been successful in his hunt for themissing securities. 

Every time he went out he could see the same crowd about the closeddoors of the big store; people could not get over the novelty of thefailure, possibly the first that had come to Riverview these many years, and certainly the worst by long odds. 

Many in town had also suffered as well as the foreign creditors; and thename of Archibald Graylock was being held up to execration in manyquarters where he had borrowed small sums, or else bought goods to filla gap, and for which he had never settled. 

Once he was seized upon by Ferd who had been hovering around, possiblyat his father's desire, to hear what was being said of the man who hadgone down with such a smash. 

Ferd looked doleful enough, and Dick did not have the heart to feelglad. 

Knowing what he did of the Graylock son and heir, Dick had before nowdecided in his own mind that this failure of his father might be themaking of Ferd; certainly it was not going to do him any particular harmto be thrown out on his own resources, and there was a chance that itwould arouse a slumbering spark of ambition that may have never awakenedonly for this sudden change. 

"This is a mighty rough deal we're up against, Dick. The old man seemsto think you know something about those securities he lost the otherday. If you do you've played the meanest trick on him that ever was; forhe says they would have kept his head above water. But between you andme I believe the old man is getting a bit looney, and that he has pawnedthem long ago. I'll be glad to get away from this miserable littleplace, that's what, " said Ferd, with disgust plainly shown on his face. 

"Then you expect to go away?" asked Dick. 

"Yes, in a day or two, to Boston. An uncle has offered me a job in hisoffice; and as he is a broker I think I see myself getting to the top ofthe heap before long, " replied the other, braggingly. 

"Is your father going with you?" questioned Dick, thinking that themovements of Archibald Graylock held something of interest for him underthe circumstances. 

"No, you see he has to stay around here for some weeks yet, settling up. He says he will be as poor as Job's turkey when they get through withhim; but if he is, then he was never the keen and clever man I alwaystook him to be. I suppose he will come down to the city after its alldone, and begin there over again. "

"Well, I must get on. Wish you luck when you go, Ferd. "

"You're in an awful hurry. I wanted to ask you about that affair up atold Gibbs' place; they say you saved Bessie's life?" demanded the other, catching his sleeve. 

"All a big yarn. I just happened around in time to jerk down a fewcurtains and stamp on the fire. They were nearly in ashes anyhow. Anybody could have done the same thing. Why, it was a picnic, you know. Good-bye, Ferd, " and jerking loose he ran off, leaving the other lookingafter him, and shaking his head, as if unable to understand why anyfellow could resist the chance to play the part of a hero when thechance came to him as it had to Dick. 

When he got back to the bank Dick was just settling down to some work hewished to get through with before noon when he saw the bookkeeperstaring at the door as if he had seen a ghost; and looking up the boydiscovered a familiar figure crossing over in the direction of Mr. Gibbs' private room. 

It was the supposed bank examiner!

And he carried a little bundle under his arm at which he glancedsignificantly, and followed this with a smile and a nod as he passedMr. Winslow's window. 

Dick was thrilled with the belief that he had found the missingsecurities!

CHAPTER XXIV

MR. GRAYLOCK MEETS HIS WATERLOO

Mr. Winslow beckoned to Dick to come near his desk, as it happened therewere no customers in front at the time, wishing to make deposits. 

By bending down, and talking in a low tone he could say what he wishedwithout being overheard; indeed, the bookkeeper had called Mr. Paysonover as if to confer with him as to what this unexpected return of thebank examiner might signify; for although he certainly had nothing tofear, still it seemed to make him exceedingly nervous. 

"What did I tell you, son?" said the teller, with a broad grin on hisface, as he jerked his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of thepresident's room. 

"Do you really think he has found them?" asked Dick, eagerly. 

"The signs all point that way; you noticed yourself that he was carryinga neat little package under his arm, which he seemed to fondle lovingly;and if looks count for anything the grin he gave me said 'success' asplainly as two and two make four. I can see the complete finish of ourtricky friend A. G. Say, I'd give something to see his face when theold man opens that package before him. It would be better than apicnic!" exclaimed the teller, enthusiastically. 

"Do you think they'll send for Mr. Graylock, then?"

"Surely. It was his fortune that was supposed to be lost, and which hasnow come limping home like Little Bo-Peep's sheep; or the prodigal son, as you please. Oh, yes; they would not think of keeping the poor oldfellow in agony any longer than is necessary. Hark! there goes thesummons for Mr. Goodwyn to cross over and confer with the boss. Told youso. He's to be taken into the scheme, and have a chance to look happyagain. "

Sure enough the cashier did pass into the room of the head of the bank, and the murmur of voices told that the three were engaged in an animateddiscussion. 

Payson was still trying to soothe the agitated bookkeeper, who was onneedles and pins because of this surprising second visit from the man hehad believed to be the regular examiner; with Mr. Cheever closeted withthe president, and now the cashier called into conference, there seemedto be something in the wind that might reflect upon his capacity as abank book custodian. 

Winslow would have liked easing his mind strain, but he believed it bestnot to attempt it until events had shaped themselves so that the wholetruth could be explained. 

Just then Dick's bell rang. 

"The Morrison luck again, " groaned Mr. Winslow; "now you're going to seeand hear the dramatic denouement, while I shall have to be content withtaking it second-hand. "

When Dick opened the door and entered the room he found the threegentlemen sitting around the table, upon which were numerous papers andpackages, as if Mr. Gibbs might have been going over his personal assetsto find out just how hard he had been hit by the failure of Graylock. 

Both he and Mr. Goodwyn looked pleased, though they tried hard not toshow it; as for the bank examiner, when Dick shot a look in hisdirection, Mr. Cheever gave a very perceptible wink that might stand fora host of things, though Dick knew very well how to interpret it. 

The securities had been found!

In some way the detective had managed to gain access to the Graylockhouse, and his search had not been without its reward; evidentlyArchibald, never dreaming that any one would suspect him, had not takenthe pains to hide the packet beyond thrusting it into his safe. 

And that carelessness was fated to be his undoing. 

"Richard, have you noticed Mr. Graylock around this morning; he has notbeen in the bank, but you have gone out several times, I believe?"asked Mr. Gibbs. 

"Yes, sir. Only an hour ago I saw him going into the store in companywith the gentleman they say is the assignee in charge of the bankruptstock. "

"Very well; please go over to the store and ask him to come back withyou; if he demurs tell him it is some very important business that hasto be transacted. "

"Yes, sir, " and Dick was off like a flash. 

He never undertook an errand with more animation, and Mr. Winslow, watching him from the window smiled broadly when he saw what hisdestination must be. 

There was a man at the door of the big store, who would not let Dick inuntil he declared he was the bank boy, and that he had a very importantmessage for Mr. Graylock. 

He found that gentleman in the offices, with several others around him, going over the books, explaining what the different accounts meant andlooking most abject and forlorn. 

Indeed, Dick must have felt sorry for the man in his seeming distress ofmind did he not know that this was but a part and parcel of the deepplan which Mr. Graylock was pursuing in order to gull the public; nodoubt when at home and free from observation he was in the habit ofshaking hands with himself because of the clever little dodge he hadplayed looking to provision for the future. 

"Mr. Graylock, " said Dick, to attract his attention, for he was busilyengaged in dispute with a severe looking gentleman. 

When the bankrupt storekeeper looked up and saw who had spoken hescowled in a most savage manner. 

"Well, boy, what do you want here?" he demanded. 

"Mr. Gibbs sent me over to bring you back to the bank, sir. "

"I'm very busy just now. Tell him I'll drop in later in the day, "returned the other, a little mollified when he heard the name of thebank president. 

"He said to tell you that it was a very important matter, and that youmust come now, " continued the messenger. 

"Oh! well, I suppose I shall have to go. Gentlemen, excuse me for ashort time, please. Perhaps it may be good news; possibly those lostsecurities have been discovered; although too late to save me; or it maybe they have some offer to make as a recompense for their disappearancewhile in their charge. That would be a good thing for my creditors, gentleman. A few minutes and I expect to be with you again. "

He picked up his hat and walked out of the office, with Dick trottingalong close at his heels; though Mr. Graylock would not deign to noticehim. 

When they entered the door of the bank together Dick could see thatevery eye became focussed upon them; and as for Mr. Winslow, there wasan expression of actual distress upon his face, as though he realizedthat he was about to lose the greatest spectacle of the whole affair inbeing debarred from that room when Archibald Graylock was ushered in. 

Dick managed to precede the broken-down merchant, and opening the doorallowed him to enter. 

He was about to go out himself, when Mr. Gibbs said:

"Don't go, Richard. I may have need of you. "

He knew that this was hardly so, and suspected that the presidentintended that he should be a witness of what followed; possiblybelieving that since Mr. Graylock had done all he could to castsuspicion on the messenger it was only fair that Dick should be presentat his downfall. 

At any rate, the boy was only too glad to have the opportunity, and hethought Mr. Winslow's assertion regarding his luck must have some basisafter all. 

Mr. Graylock looked around him as if surprised that there should be astranger present; he had met Mr. Cheever, as a bank examiner, but hecertainly could not understand how the other could have any interest inhis private affairs. 

He turned, therefore, with an expression of surprise upon his thinface, as if he would ask Mr. Gibbs what he might understand by thisgathering. 

"Have a chair, Mr. Graylock, please, " said the president, and hecertainly looked as solemn as though circumstances had arisen whereby hefelt it necessary, for the honor of the bank, to hand over to thegentleman the equal of the securities that had so mysteriously vanishedwhile in the vault of the institution. 

Mr. Graylock dropped into a seat and waited; if he was agitated, he didnot show it in his face or manner, as yet. 

"I have sent for you, Mr. Graylock, " began the president, "in connectionwith the securities which you brought to this bank some time ago, andwhich were strangely missing from the packet which was handed out whenyou demanded them. "

"Yes, " said the other, licking his dry lips, and fixing his small, rat-like eyes on the face of Mr. Gibbs, as though he would read there inadvance just what the bank official was about to say. 

"I understood you to declare, sir, that it was your positive intentionto devote the proceeds of the sale of those securities to bolstering upyour business; and even yesterday you assured me that if they could onlybe found you would of course hand them over to the assignee, to bedevoted to the liquidation of your debts. Am I correct in this surmise, Mr. Graylock?"

The merchant started, and half rose from his chair as a sudden fearstruck him; then he sank back again with a smile, undoubtedly reassured. 

"Such was my intention, Mr. Gibbs; indeed, there could now be no othercourse open to me. Have you found them, sir; were they mislaid; or didsome one in your employ take them after all, so that you feel disposedto make their loss good?" and he had the audacity as he spoke to send abitter glance in the direction of the bank boy. 

The president frowned, and the look of pity that was beginning to stealover his face vanished. 

"Then, sir, I have a piece of news for you that will undoubtedly bringyou great joy. The missing securities have been found, Mr. Graylock!" hesaid, emphatically. 

"Impossible!" gasped the wretched man, turning still more pallid. 

"Not at all, Mr. Graylock, not at all. If you will take the trouble tocast your eye over these you will find they are all here save one for asmall figure, which somehow was offered for sale in Boston lately, Ibelieve you said, " and as he spoke the president tossed a little packageupon the directors' table, upon which the eyes of the broken-downmerchant were instantly glued with incredulity and horror. 

His crime had arisen like a ghost of the past to confront him. 

CHAPTER XXV

CONCLUSION

Mr. Graylock half rose from his chair, and bent low over the table tostare at the documents; then as if unable to believe that his sight toldhim the truth he dug his knuckles into his eyes and stared again. 

Every eye was fastened upon him, and he seemed to realize that his sinhad indeed found him out, for finally with a groan that welled up fromthe depths of his tortured heart he fell back into his chair. 

Then he heard the clear voice of the president saying:

"We all deserve to be congratulated, Mr. Graylock--the bank, at therecovery of the valuable papers entrusted to its care; and you, sir, because your good name has been saved, and your creditors will receiveall that your estate will produce. It is a great thing to be able tolook your friends and neighbors in the face, Mr. Graylock, when such amisfortune overtakes a man in business, although every one may not thinkso. "

Surely this was gall and wormwood to the defeated trickster, who hadbeen caught trying to defraud those who had trusted him. 

He writhed and twisted in his chair, until a shred of his formerassurance came back to him; when he managed to look up with a sicklysmile, and almost whispered:

"Yes, it is a great thing. I suppose I ought to thank you, Gibbs, forsaving me the added humiliation of exposure. And the strange discoveryof the securities, where they must have been placed during a temporaryfit of absent mindedness, will, of course, clear the air, so that no onenow need be suspected of any criminal intent. "

It was a bold bid for secrecy, and while Mr. Gibbs might feel a contemptfor the wretched man now before him, at the same time he believed itwould be policy to keep the story quiet for a short time. 

"How long before you leave Riverview, Mr. Graylock?" he asked, quietly. 

"I think I can say in three days more; yes, by Monday evening I shallhave departed, " replied the other, eagerly, catching at a straw. 

"Very well, then, for three days those of us in the secret will agreenot to whisper one word of this sad affair. After you have departed thepromise holds no longer. There will be no prosecution, Mr. Graylock, though perhaps I am doing wrong to promise that; but I shall walk overwith these securities in half an hour, and hand them to the assigneewith the simple remark that they have been found. I think there isnothing further to say, sir. "

It was a polite way of telling Mr. Graylock that they could dispensewith his company, and getting unsteadily to his feet he made for thedoor. 

Before going out he had the decency to turn his face toward them, andsay:

"I thank you all, gentlemen; you have been more considerate with me thanI deserve. Good-day. "

Mr. Gibbs turned to Dick. 

"Now Richard, you can go, and please remember that while the finding ofthe securities may be announced, not one word to a living soul about thetruth until after Mr. Graylock has left town for good. He does notdeserve it, but we will spare him that added humiliation. Just now Ipresume he is the most wretched man in the State. And Richard, pleaseask Mr. Winslow to step in here for a minute, since I believe he knowswhat Mr. Cheever intended doing. "

The teller obeyed the summons with alacrity, and doubtless heard allabout the outcome of the little game he and Dick had planned; at thesame time being bound to secrecy until the limited time had passed. 

Of course there was great rejoicing among the creditors of the defunctfirm when the fact was made known that the missing securities had cometo light, and that there would be another hundred thousand dollarsdivided up among them; but no matter how curious they might be they wereunable to learn where the papers had been hidden; though some who knewMr. Graylock best had their suspicions. 

And three days later, as he had said, Mr. Graylock vanished fromRiverview, with his wife and son, going to Boston; nor did any of themever show their faces again in the town where for years the merchant hadheld his head so high. 

The story soon became common property, and for a long time his name washeld up to ridicule and execration by those he had swindled. 

Some years later Dick learned that the Graylocks had gone South, andwith some money advanced by a relative purchased a few acres of land inFlorida, where they devoted their attention to raising celery for thenorthern market; but just how successful they were, or what progressFerd was making toward overcoming his faults, he never knew. 

They had passed out of the life of the little river town; and after atime the name of Graylock was seldom mentioned; for another firm hadtaken up the big store, and was making it a success by honest dealing. 

Some years have passed since the events narrated in this story occurred. 

Most of those with whom we have come in contact still remain inRiverview, and the town has prospered quite in proportion to others inthe State. 

Mrs. Morrison still lives happily in her rose embowered cottage, whichof course has been enlarged and vastly improved; for the legacy came tohand in due time, and Dick had his den, while she enjoyed the luxury ofa fine bathroom. 

She has never dreamed of marrying again. 

Two or three times old Hezekiah Cheatham drove around that way to dropin and chat with the buxom widow, whose charms he could now appreciatesince she had fallen heir to a neat little fortune; but Dick took himgently aside and gave him plainly to understand that his mother dislikedhis attentions very much; and that as for himself he was averse tohaving a step-father; so the old bachelor ceased his pilgrimages in thatquarter. 

Mr. Gibbs is still the head of the bank, and his right hand man is RossGoodwyn, the clever cashier, who will soon step into the position of hisemployer, when the latter retires. 

Mr. Payson is the paying teller, but Mr. Winslow finding his healthfailing him, and being warned by his physician that he had better seek aclimate that was dry, intends leaving for Colorado in another month. 

It is pretty generally understood that he will be succeeded by RichardMorrison, who has been acting as his under-study for some time. 

Dick is a tall, manly looking fellow now, the pride of his mother'sheart; and prosperity has not changed his genial, straight-forwardnature a particle. 

One of his best friends is Mr. Cartwright, the old miller, andfrequently they sit and chat of the days long since gone by when Dickfound his first job in the employ of the other. 

Occasionally Dick has found an opportunity, on holidays, to go out tothe dear old fishing hole, and interview a few of his friends, the bass;his ability to capture the wily finny denizens of the river still holdsgood, and usually he returns home with a full string. 

He never visits the old place without thinking of that day when he heardBessie Gibbs raising her voice in laments over the impending fate of herdarling Angora kitten, and the memory always brings a smile to Dick'sface. 

Bessie is now finishing her schooling at a college; but she and Dickcorrespond faithfully, and during vacation times they seem inseparable. 

He still thinks her the prettiest and sweetest of her sex, and as forBessie--well, it hardly seems fair to peep into the sacred recesses of ayoung girl's heart, but she is never one half so happy as when withDick, and whenever she looks at the little scar on the back of his lefthand she shudders, remembering that fearful day when he burst in uponthem just in the nick of time, and in his usual energetic way quicklyextinguished what might have been a serious conflagration. 

Mr. Gibbs, of course, has his eyes about him and understands what thisintimacy is bound to end in eventually; but he seems perfectly satisfiedthat it should be so. 

He cannot expect to keep his darling child with him always, and sincethese things must be he is content with the way events have come about. 

The wise man who could read boy character as well as he did on thatnever-to-be-forgotten day when he sent Dick, still resting undersuspicion in connection with the missing securities, out to his home tobring back a valuable packet, feels confident that he has made nomistake, and that he can trust the happiness of Bessie to his keeping. 

Mr. Gibbs always declares that he never made an investment in his wholelife that brought him in such quick and magnificent returns as hisdecision that day to put a boy upon his honor; and he hardly darespicture what might have happened had he failed to read the truth lyingback of those clear eyes of Dick, the Bank Boy. 

THE END. 

 * * * * *

Transcriber's Notes:

Obvious punctuation errors repaired. 

Page 15, "ofter" changed to "often". (I've often heard)

Page 17, "down" changed to "done". (always done since)

Page 31, "women" changed to "woman". (get a woman to). 

Page 37, "endeaver" changed to "endeavor". (endeavor to change)

Page 45, "dilipidated" changed to "dilapidated". (and dilapidatedvehicle)

Page 79, "seldoms" changed to "seldom". (He seldom interferes)

Page 95, duplicated word "as" removed. (just as you say)

Page 104, "imposible" changed to "impossible". (It is impossible, incredible, )

Page 129, "furtune" changed to "fortune". (glorious good fortune)

Page 151, "Winlow" changed to "Winslow". (Winslow thinks possible)

Page 156, "hear" changed to "heard". (he heard the vehicle)

Page 157, "unbrellas" changed to "umbrellas". (with umbrellas over)

Page 166, duplicated word "down" removed. (down in the drawing)

Page 173, "forunate" changed to "fortunate". (was fortunate enough)

Page 191, "neecssary" changed to "necessary". (necessary. Hark!)

Page 202, "physican" changed to physician". (his physician that)

Page 202, "Colordo" changed to "Colorado". (for Colorado in)