“I believe so, sir.”
“Nezlett got back last night, didn’t he? Very well, call him up and tell him to get ready to go at once to––wherever the Leveridges live. And––I want to see him right away!”
He abruptly dismissed the factotum and turned to his mail. As his glance fell upon the pile he gasped. Then he quickly drew out a letter and tore it open. His thin lips moved rapidly as his eyes roved over the paper. He laid the letter down and looked wildly about. Then he took it up again and read aloud the closing words:
“––and, having bought somewhat heavily of Molino stock, and believing that your representations were made with intent to deceive, I shall, unless immediate reparation or satisfactory explanation is made, take such steps as my counsel may advise.
“Yours, etc.,
“J. WILTON AMES.”
Congealing with fear, Ketchim took his stock memorandum from a drawer and consulted it. “He put in ten thousand, cash,” he murmured, closing the book and replacing it. “And I always wondered why, for he doesn’t go into things that he can’t control. There’s where I was a fool! He shouldn’t have been sold a dollar’s worth! He knows we can’t return the money; and now he’s tightening the screws! He has something up his sleeve; and we’ve fallen for it!”
He settled back in his chair and groaned aloud. “Why did he buy? Did he think he’d reach Uncle Ted through us? By Jove! that’s it! For a year or more he’s wanted to oust Uncle from the C. & R., and now he thinks by threatening the family with disgrace, and us fellows with the pen, he can do it! What fools we’ve been! Oh, if I ever get out of this I’ll steer clear of these deals in the future!” It was his stock resolution, which had never borne fruit.
The door opened slightly, and the noiseless Rawlins timidly announced the arrival of Reed and Harris.
“Show them in at once!” cried Ketchim, jumping up and hastily passing his hands over his hair and face. Then, advancing with a wan smile, he courteously greeted the callers.
“Well, fellows,” he began, waving them to seats, “it looks a little bad for Molino, doesn’t it? I’ve just been reading your report––although of course you told me over the ’phone yesterday that there was no hope. But,” he continued gravely, and his face grew serious, “I’m glad, very glad, of one thing, and that is that there are men in the world to-day who are above temptation.”