f time," said the
president, kindly. And Dick, as he hastened after his cap and umbrella
was saying to himself that Harvey Gibbs could read a boy's soul better
than any man in the world.

"Where away, Dick?" asked Mr. Winslow as he saw the boy pass his window.

"On an errand for Mr. Gibbs, sir," replied the boy.

"Can you take these notices with you, Dick?" asked the bookkeeper,
holding up a bunch of papers, such as the bank messenger was in the
habit of delivering on his rounds.

"Not just now, sir. I am in a great hurry."

He waited no longer to explain things, but hastened around the corner to
the livery stable where, as he knew, Mr. Gibbs kept his horse whenever
he drove in alone; sometimes his wife or Bessie came with him, and when
this occurred the vehicle of course, was driven home again.

Dick knew the livery-stable keeper well, and Jerry, understanding that
he was now employed in the bank had no hesitation in giving him the rig
which Mr. Gibbs had driven to town that morning.

In a few minutes Dick was off, and hurrying the animal along as much as
seemed consistent; fortunately the boy loved horses, though he had very
few chances to exhibit his skill in managing them, and when he found
that the animal between the shafts was capable of putting up
considerable speed his pulses thrilled with satisfaction.

Many a time had he tramped over that road while going out to his
favorite fishing hole; but never did it seem one half so short as when
he dashed along behind that high stepper.

One of the first persons he met on the road was Ferd Graylock, who
stopped to stare after him; he also called out, but Dick was unable to
hear what he said, so rapid was his pace--he could only wave his hand
backward in recognition, and continue to urge the horse along.

In this fashion he reached the fine country place of the banker, which,
as has been said before, extended over quite a number of acres, and ran
down to the river at the point just above the fishing hole Dick so
dearly loved.

He sprang out and tied the steaming horse to the hitching post.

Then he ran up to the front door, which appeared to be wide open, as
though one of the maids might have been doing some cleaning that
morning.

Dick reached out his hand to press the button that would summon a
servant to the door when he was thrilled to hear a sudden scream from
some portion of the house. It was so full of terror that the boy did not
hesitate an instan