Quincy opened the door suddenly and the broad face of Mr. Asa Waters stood revealed.
"I thought I would come up and see if Mr. Sawyer wanted anything."
"If he does," said Quincy, "I will inform you;" and he closed the door in Mr. Waters's face.
Quincy waited till he heard his ponderous footsteps descending the stairs at the foot of the hallway.
"Was old Waters out there listening?" asked Jim Sawyer.
"I don't think he had time to hear anything," Quincy replied.
"Come closer," said Jim; "let me whisper. I am not penniless. I have got some money. I have five thousand dollars in government bonds. I sold some stock I owned just before I went off on that last debauch, but I didn't spend all the money. When I die I want you to pay back to the town of Eastborough every dollar I owe for board. Don't let anybody know you got the money from me. Pay it yourself and keep the balance of it yourself."
"Where is the money?" said Quincy.
"It is down in my old room, No. 24, one flight down from here, at the other end of the hallway. I have got a key that will open the door. I made it myself. I nearly got in there the other day, but they caught me before I had a chance to open the door. If you can get in there take up the fourth brick from the window, second row from the front of the fireplace, and you will find the bonds in an old leather wallet. What time is it?" he asked quickly.
"Half-past eleven," replied Quincy.