women folks. I'd like to have run away you see, but I had
to wait for the package Mr. Gibbs sent me after."

"You're altogether too modest, Dick. Most boys would have puffed out
with pride after doing such a thing; but I like you all the better for
it, my boy. Now, if that bank examiner finds a chance to talk with you
to-morrow, just put him wise to all you know about the happenings of
that day, especially as to what you saw at the time you peeked in
through that blessed knothole--I use that word, you understand, because
it is going to figure a whole lot in the final discovery of those
missing securities. Don't forget, now."

"I certainly won't," replied Dick, accepting the hand of the friendly
teller in his one good palm, and yet wincing with the pressure he
received.

He anticipated with keenest pleasure his meeting with his mother, and
wondered if those wise eyes of hers would note his color when she
discovered the dainty kerchief of Bessie Gibbs pinned around his left
hand--he meant to keep it always as a souvenir of that exciting time.

And so he came home at last.

Just as he expected she immediately discovered the fact of his having
his hand bound up; for little news reached the rather secluded home of
the widow, and no neighbor had chanced to hear the story of what had
happened at the home of the banker.

"What is the matter--have you had an accident, son?" She exclaimed,
taking his hand in hers.

Then she looked more closely, and he knew that she had noticed the
kerchief.

"Don't worry, mother; it's only a little burn, nothing serious at all,"
he said.

"But who put this here--a lady's handkerchief, too? Something has
happened, I can see it in your eyes. Tell me at once, Dick. What new
danger have you been in now?" she went on, putting her arm around him as
they walked toward the door.

"None at all, mother. There was just the littlest bit of fire, and I
tore down the curtains and shade, never thinking of my hands. Why, it
was all over in three seconds, I believe."

"Curtains--shade--where was this?" she asked, anxiously.

"At Mr. Gibbs' house. He sent me up after some papers, and I was just in
time to jump in and play volunteer fireman. You see they insisted on
doing my hand up in this ridiculous way, and made me promise not to take
it off until you could dress it again to-night. But it doesn't amount to
much, I give you my word, mother."

"Oh! come and sit down and tell me all about it. Suppe