t.

Dick had noticed that several times Mr. Graylock seemed to have timed
his visits at just this particular hour.

It may have been accident, or he possibly wished to catch the cashier at
leisure, and as the building was empty for a short season, so far as
they knew, they could confer without a chance of being overheard.

On this particular day, which was fated to be marked with a white stone
in the history of Dick Morrison, Mr. Graylock entered the bank at the
time he was eating his lunch in the little room back of the offices.

From where he sat he could see the merchant as he came in the open door.

He noticed Mr. Graylock cast a quick look around as if to size up the
situation, and what would appear to be a pleased expression flashed over
his thin face when he saw that the coast seemed clear, and that the
cashier was the only one present, besides the boy eating in the back
room.

Passing immediately into the section reserved for the bank workers he
entered Mr. Goodwyn's den; the door being open so that the cashier could
command a full view of the outer offices, and jump up if any customer
should happen to apply at the windows for attention.

There followed the murmur of voices from within; but for once Mr.
Graylock saw fit to graduate his tones to a lower pitch, so that beyond
an occasional word Dick heard nothing that passed, nor did he wish to
listen.

Then someone entered through the front door, and he heard the cashier
get up to pass through into the main offices to wait on the customer.

What impelled Dick to step gently over to that knothole Pliny had spoken
of and take one quick glance he could never have explained, for surely
he had no particular desire to look upon the disturbed and crafty face
of Archibald Graylock.

The merchant was just sitting down in his chair again as though he had
stood up after the cashier's hurried departure from the little office,
and he seemed to be buttoning up his coat; Dick had one scant look at
his face as he turned away again to resume his lunch, and he could never
again forget the expression he saw there, it seemed to be so full of
fear, of nervous strain, of malicious triumph.

CHAPTER XIII

WANTED IN THE CASHIER'S OFFICE

Five minutes later a bell rang. It was from the cashier's office, and
was meant to summon Dick if he were about the premises.

Accordingly he at once presented himself in the little department
adjoining the main offices, where h