Mr. Davidson suddenly recollected the prisoner, who sat in the chair.
"Who's that, then?" he demanded.
"Oh, he's Bob Murray."
"And who in blazes—"
"An old friend. You see, Bob and I went to college together. Bob's a lot different from me. He likes to work. In fact, he has to work. Just about the time you shipped me off to Hastings & Hatch—or thought you did—I heard from Bob. He needed a job. So I gave him mine. I sent him the letter and the full directions. And I understand he's done me credit, too."
"Is this true?" demanded Mr. Davidson, glaring at the captive.
The young man nodded.
"Then why didn't you say so?"
"Because I swore him to secrecy," explained Billy. "I told Bob not to squeal until I gave the word. And he stuck by me."
Uncle Henry only half succeeded in suppressing an expletive.