The latter stood watching the industrious Darry with owl-like solemnity. Finally the latter handed a duplicate receipt and a copy of the entry to Stuart.
"Will you officially attest to the correctness of these, Mr.—Ah, Mr. Agent?" propounded Stuart.
"Sure," answered Bart with an off-handed alacrity that was distressing to the responsibility burdened personality of the accredited representative of Monroe, Purcell & Abernethy.
He dashed off an O.K. on the two documents, tendered them with exaggerated courtesy to his visitor, who he was well aware knew his name perfectly, and said, with the faintest suggestion of mimicry:
"Ah, Mr.—Representative, would you kindly inform me for what purpose you want these transcripts?"
"They form the basis of a criminal prosecution," announced young Stuart in a tone positively sepulchral.
"So?" murmured the young express agent smoothly. "In that case, let me suggest that you also take a copy of this document to submit to your—superiors."
Bart Stirling drew from his pocket the receipt signed by old Ben Travers on the afternoon express less than two hours previous.
Stuart adjusted his eyeglass and superciliously regarded the document. Then he turned and gasped:
"What—what is this?" he spluttered.