n when Dick saw Mr. Graylock come in.

He had a most determined look on his face, as though his mind was set
upon doing something he had endeavored to hold aloof for some time.

"Looks to me as though the climax is close at hand," observed Pliny, who
was once more back at his desk; Dick happened to be standing near by
waiting for some notices that were being gotten together by the
bookkeeper to be delivered on his regular morning round of the business
houses of Riverview.

"I think myself we shall hear something drop before long," replied that
functionary, in a low confidential tone, intended only for the ears of
his assistant.

Never were words spoken half in jest more speedily made to come true.

Loud voices could be heard coming from the little den of the cashier,
whither Mr. Graylock had immediately hastened upon entering.

Then in the doorway appeared the trim figure of Mr. Goodwyn, showing
evident signs of excitement.

"It is impossible, incredible, sir! Such a thing could never happen in
this institution. There must be some mistake; your informant was in
error," he was saying, forgetting that other ears than those of the
merchant were open, and could hear all he was saying.

"My informant is a responsible man, and he declares that there can be
no mistake. It was positively one of my securities that was offered to
him by an unknown party, who, upon being questioned refused to tell
where he had obtained the same, and left before he could be detained. I
only trust that there is a mistake, Mr. Goodwyn. It would be a most
serious thing for me just now to be crippled when I have need all of my
available resources."

"We will prove it to be a mistake, and you can breathe freely again, Mr.
Graylock."

With that the cashier stepped into the safe.

Mr. Graylock stood in the doorway of the inner sanctuary, an eager look
on his face that told of expectancy and dread, either real or assumed.

Every one in the enclosure had their eyes riveted upon the vault;
although they were not supposed to have any interest in this matter it
was only human nature to be overwhelmed with curiosity concerning
anything that happened in connection with Archibald Graylock, who just
now seemed to occupy a prominent place in the talk of the town,
particularly with regard to his financial standing.

Five seconds later the cashier came out of the vault again.

He was smiling now, and holding up the big buff envelope that was held
wit