p silent until I'm directly accused, Vona. Starr
is regularly talking with Britt. If I begin now to defend myself by
telling about Britt's operations, I'll merely be handing weapons to the
enemy. They can't surprise me by any charge they may bring! I have got
myself stiffened up to that point. You must make up your mind that it's
coming. Pile up courage beforehand!"

It was a valiant little speech. But he was obliged to strive heroically
to make his countenance fit his words of courage. In facing the
situation squarely he had been trying to make an estimate of the state
of mind in Egypt. He bitterly decided that the folks were lining up
against the outlander. As hateful as Britt had made himself, he was
Egyptian, born and bred. Vaniman knew what the wreck of the little bank
signified in that town, which was already staggering under its debt
burden. How that bank had been wrecked was not clear to Vaniman, even
when he gave the thing profound consideration. He did not dare to
declare to himself all that he suspected of the president. Nor did he
dare to believe that Britt would dump the whole burden on the cashier.
However, if Britt undertook such a play of perfidy, the outlander knew
that the native would have the advantage in the exchange of accusation.

Vaniman perceived the existing state of affairs in the demeanor of the
men whom he met on the street, going to and from the tavern. He heard
some of their remarks. He strove to keep a calm face while his soul
burned!

Then, at last, Examiner Starr acted. He employed peculiar methods to fit
a peculiar case.

One afternoon Starr sat and stared for some time at Vaniman. They were
alone in the bank. Receiver Waite and Vona had gone away.

"Would you relish a little show?" inquired the examiner.

Vaniman had nerved himself against all kinds of surprise, he thought,
but he was not prepared for this proffer of entertainment. He frankly
declared that he did not understand.

"Seeing that you are doubtful, we'll have the show, anyway, and you
can tell me later whether or not you relish it." He opened the door and
called. Bixby came in. It was evident that Bixby had been waiting.

"All ready!" said Starr.

"All right!" said Bixby.

"I'll say that Bixby, here, is an operator from a detective agency, in
case you don't know it," explained the examiner.

"I do know it, sir!"

Bixby pulled off his overcoat. Under it he wore a mohair office coat. He
yanked off that garment