I noted down the list for reference and study.
"Do you think," asked Coleman, "that Kendrick will be able to get down to-morrow?"
"No, the doctor said it would be impossible."
"That is very awkward. The syndicate's money is deposited in his name, and he is the man to sign our checks."
I saw the advantage of keeping this power in Wharton Kendrick's hands, and suggested:
"Possibly he can attend to that part of the business at the house. I can have a line of messengers to carry the checks back and forth."
Coleman wrinkled his brows, and gave his head a forceful shake.
"That won't do. The arrangement would lose us forty minutes on every transaction. You had better get Kendrick to make out a check for the whole amount in favor of Nelson, and Nelson will look out for the details."
I was far from satisfied that this was the best way out of the difficulty. It eliminated Wharton Kendrick as a factor in the operations of the syndicate, and I had a vague but controlling feeling that this would fit badly with his plans. But I could give no sound reason for dissent from the suggestion, and at last Coleman said:
"Go to Kendrick, and ask him for the check. I'll have Nelson and Partridge here by the time you get back, and we can talk the business over more fully."