gloom where the callers
stood and shook his head. "I'm not making it well at all, sir."

"But you must have some idea of what the trouble is."

"There's trouble, all right, Mr. Britt--plenty of it. There's no use
in my denying that. But I'm not far enough along to give any sensible
explanation."

The president showed real anxiety. "What do you say for a guess?"

"If you are asking me only for a guess, I should say that the ghost of
Jim the Penman has been amusing himself with these books," replied the
cashier; he was bitter; he was showing the effects of worry that was
aggravated by lack of sleep.

"Aha! Plainly not far enough along for a sensible explanation," rumbled
Examiner Starr.

"A knave is usually ready with a good story when he has been taken by
surprise. Honesty isn't as handy with the tongue. I can only say that
something--I don't say somebody--has put these books into a devil of a
mess, and I'm doing my best to straighten them."

"I wish you luck," affirmed Starr. "I've been talking with your
president and he says everything good about your faithfulness, and about
how you have been doing guard duty in the bank of late. Perhaps you're a
sleepwalker, Vaniman," he added, with heavy humor.

"I feel like one now," retorted the cashier. "I was awake all last
night."

"Ah! Doing what?" asked the examiner, politely, but without interest.

The question hinted that in the talk in Britt's office the president had
refrained from mention of Barnes, the broker. Vaniman decided instantly
to respect Britt's reticence; the president had shown much caution
the night before, even in regard to Squire Hexter. "Oh, merely running
around on a little business of my own, Mr. Starr."

Britt did not assist by any reference to his own share in the business.
"We may as well start along toward the tavern, Starr." The president
took two steps toward the grille and addressed Vona. "I'm going to take
Mr. Starr to the show this evening. I want him to see what smart girls
we have in Egypt."

Vona did not reply. She turned to Vaniman with the air of one who has
suddenly been reminded of something forgotten in the stress of affairs.
But before she had an opportunity to speak there was a tramping of hasty
feet in the corridor and her father came in through the door that
had been left ajar by Britt. "Good evening, all!" hailed Mr. Harnden,
cheerily. "But, see here, Vona, my dear girl, we have been waiting
supper a whole half hour.