t was
shown to him he glanced sharply at Bertram.

"Pardon me," he began, "but might I request the favour of a few moments'
conversation with you while the cashier is counting the money?"

"I shall be very pleased," said Bertram, and when the manager had given
an instruction in an undertone to one of his clerks, he followed him
into his private room. The door having been closed, and when the other
had pushed forward a chair, Bertram inquired what he could do for him.

"I notice that you have presented a draft signed by Mr. Mortimer, who, a
few months since, was employed in the firm of Montezma & Co., of this
city. I also notice that the cheque is dated to-day, a circumstance
which would seem to point to the fact that Mr. Mortimer is in Rio at the
present moment."

"That is quite possible," Bertram returned stiffly. "He may be or he may
not. I don't see how it concerns anyone but himself. I am not aware that
he has done anything to necessitate his keeping out of the way!"

"I am afraid we are playing at cross purposes," said Doubleday. "Pray do
not imagine that I am in any way antagonistic to his Royal----"

Bertram pricked up his ears. So the manager was also aware that Max was
the Crown Prince of Pannonia? He was sorry for that; it might lead to
complications.

"My only desire," the other continued, "for speaking to you about--well,
about Mr. Mortimer, was that, should you know his address, you might be
able to tell him how anxiously his friends have been seeking his
whereabouts. If he would only grant them an interview, they would be so
thankful."

"That, I feel sure, he will not do," said Bertram. "Nothing would induce
him to think of such a thing."

The manager sighed.

"It seems a pity," he went on. "I cannot think why he should be so
wilful."

"Nor I," answered Bertram. "The fact, however, remains that it is his
own business, and he is entitled to conduct it as he pleases." As he
said this he rose.

"I will see if your money is prepared," said the manager, following him.

"Many thanks," returned Bertram, and when he had received it from the
cashier, he left the bank, the manager bidding him good-bye upon the
doorstep. Then, having made sure he was not being followed by anyone
from the bank, he set off as fast as he could go in the direction of the
inn where he and Max had taken up their abode. He was not aware that Mr.
Brockford had been standing on the opposite side of the street waiting
for him