Frank hurried to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Keep up your courage,” said Merry. “I’ll do everything I can. You are not lost till the truth is discovered. Even then, if such a thing should happen, you might fix it by restoring every dollar taken.”
“But the shame—I could not live through it! I could not face those men who have trusted me!”
The youth broke down, covered his face with his hands, and sobbed. Frank longed to possess the money at that moment, but it was not at hand. He talked reassuringly to Collins, who braced up after a little, wiping the tears from his eyes and looking more ashamed than ever.
“I’m a poor, weak thing!” he exclaimed in strong self-contempt. “How you must despise me!”
Merry did not despise him, but was thrilling with sympathy and pity for him. He convinced Collins of this after a time, and then the unfortunate lad told the complete story of how he had obtained the money and kept the knowledge from the other bank officials. He told Frank the name of the bank, holding back nothing.
When the tale was finished, Frank was somewhat pale himself, for he saw that Collins was truly in constant danger of discovery. Indeed, the wonder was that exposure had not already overtaken him.
“Come to me here this afternoon immediately after the closing of the bank,” directed Frank.
“Will you have the money then? Do you think you will?”
“I hope to, but I cannot be sure. I shall do everything possible to obtain it. You will come?”