"He might have said so as a blind, but he certainly did not intend to go there, or," added Torry, with emphasis, "if he did it was to reach Naples or Brindisi and catch an out-going liner to Australia. Ha!" Torry stopped speaking and slapped his thigh.
"What's the matter, sir?" asked the butler nervously.
"Oh, you are there," said Torry turning sharply on him. "Then you can go downstairs. If I need you I'll ring."
"But can't I be of service here sir," urged Meek who was filled with curiosity.
"If I need you I'll ring," repeated Torry, and pointed towards the door. The butler was obliged to go, and withdrew with manifest unwillingness. Torry saw him descend the stairs, and locked the outer door of the chambers, after which he returned to Leighbourne, who watched this conduct with ill-concealed nervousness.
"Why do you send Meek away?" he asked with some hesitation.
"Because I wish to speak to you privately," replied Torry promptly. "You are not open with me Mr. Leighbourne."
"What do you mean?" demanded the young man, flushing.
"Is your bank solvent?" asked Torry, in his turn.
The other jumped to his feet in a violent rage. "Solvent!" he cried, "of course it is solvent. How dare you hint that anything is wrong with our business."