on the lake within an hour or two.
Perhaps he intended to complete his great purchase before that time.

I did not believe that he expected anything of the kind, however. I
found myself very suspicious of Mr. Charles Whippleton. He had
plundered the firm of a large sum of money, and it looked now as though
he intended to enlarge his operations in this direction, rather than
make good the deficit. I found it impossible to escape the
responsibility of my position, and it pressed heavily upon me.

[Illustration: THE INTERVIEW WITH MR. COLLINGSBY. Page 147.]

"Well, young man," said Mr. Collingsby, as I entered the chamber, where
he was seated.

"Mr. Whippleton sent me to see you in regard to a transaction he wishes
to complete this forenoon," I replied, producing my papers.

"Why didn't he come himself?"

I could not help thinking there was a great deal of force in this
question, and it strengthened some vague resolves in my mind.

"I don't know, sir. He told me to show you this list of lumber, with
prices," I continued, explaining more fully the errand upon which I had
been sent.

"He should have come himself," added the senior partner, with a frown.
"What is the balance in the bank?"

"About six thousand dollars," I replied, handing him the memorandum I
had made.

"It ought to be thirty, if not fifty thousand. Don't you make any
collections now?"

"Yes, sir; about the same as usual."

"There is something very strange in the business. I am asked to furnish
twenty thousand dollars outside of the capital I have already invested
in the firm. Tell Mr. Whippleton to come and see me immediately."

"I will, sir;" and I turned to go.

"Stop a minute, young man. What's your name?" interposed the senior.

"Philip, sir."

"Do you keep the books now, Mr. Philips?"

My dignified uncle did not even know my name, and had made a mistake
which I did not think it necessary to correct, since he took so little
interest in the matter.

"I do most of the work now, sir, on them," I replied.

"Have you any list of debts due the concern?"

"No, sir: there is none at the counting-room."

"It seems to me that proper attention is not given to the matter of
credits and collections. We should have a much larger balance in the
bank."

"Shall I tell Mr. Whippleton you wish to see him?" I replied, edging
towards the door.

"Can you answer my question, Mr. Philips?" demanded the senior,
sternly.

"I cannot, sir; Mr. Whippl