suggested. "Don't come to the elevator; Margaret
Brewster may see you with me, and she would tell father of our meeting."

"Is Mrs. Brewster still with you?" asked Kent, paying no attention to
her protests as he accompanied her down the corridor. "I understood she
planned to return to the West last week."

"She did, but father persuaded her to prolong her visit," Barbara was
guilty of a grimace, then hailing the descending elevator she bolted
into it and waved her good-by to Kent as the cage shot downward.

When Kent reentered his office he found Sylvester hanging up the
telephone receiver.

"Mr. Clymer has telephoned to ask if you will come to the Metropolis
Trust Company at once," he said, and before Kent could frame a reply he
had darted into the coat closet and brought out his hat and cane, and
handed them to him.

"Don't wait for me, but go out for your luncheon," directed Kent,
observing the hour. "I have my key and can get in when I return if you
should not be here," and not waiting to hear Sylvester's thanks, he
hurried away.

The clock over the bank had just struck noon when Kent reached the fine
office building which housed the Metropolis Trust Company, and as he
entered the bank, a messenger stopped him.

"Mr. Clymer is waiting for you in his private office, sir," he said,
and led the way past the long rows of mahogany counters and plate glass
windows to the back of the bank, finally stopping before a door bearing
the name, in modest lettering--BENJAMIN AUGUSTUS CLYMER. The bank
president was sensitive on one point; he never permitted initials
only to be used before his name. The messenger's deferential knock was
answered by a gruff command to enter. Clymer welcomed Kent with an air
of relief.

"You know Colonel McIntyre," he said by way of introduction, and Kent
became aware that the tall man lounging with his back to him in one
of the leather covered chairs was Barbara's father. Colonel McIntyre
returned Kent's bow with a curt nod, and then Clymer pushed forward a
chair.

"Sit down, Kent," he began. "You have already handled several
confidential affairs for the bank in a satisfactory manner, and I have
sent for you to-day to ask your aid in an urgent matter. Before I go
further I must ask you to treat what I am about to say as strictly
confidential."

"Certainly, Mr. Clymer."

"Good! Then draw up your chair." Clymer waited until Kent had complied
with his request. "You have heard of Jimmie T