Amazed that so important a man should evince interest enough in him to devote the time necessary to relate his story, Bob sank into the comfortable chair indicated by Mr. Nichols and began.
At first he was embarrassed, but with the kindly words now and then uttered by the vice-president, he regained his composure.
When the recital was ended, Mr. Nichols thrummed upon his desk for several minutes, and then asked:
"What would you like most in the world, Bob?"
Scarcely hesitating an instant, the boy replied:
"To prove that Len Dardus did not tell the truth when he said my father was crazy because father wrote me he had entrusted five thousand dollars to him for my education."
The expression that spread over Mr. Nichols' face as he heard this wish clearly showed surprise, for he had expected that, boy-like, Bob would have requested money, a rifle, or the like, and again he thrummed the table before saying:
"We will prove it, if we can, my boy. What was your father's name?"
"Horace Chester."
"Where was your letter written from—I mean the one telling you of the money?"