"Yes, indeed I have."
"What is it?"
"Your word. I told you I would trust you."
Robert looked at the man a moment, and then taking his hand, said:
"I accept your confidence frankly. Thank you. Draw the draft, please, and I will sign it."
The draft was soon drawn, and at two o'clock that day—just twenty-four hours after his arrest—Robert sat down to lunch with his friend, in a down-town eating-house.
While the two gentlemen were engaged with their lunch, Robert's friend Dudley, who had been eating a chop at the farther end of the room, espied his acquaintance, and approaching him said:
"How are you, Pagebrook? Are you specially engaged for this afternoon?"
"No, I believe not," said Robert. "I have nothing to do except to finish an article which I want to offer you to-morrow, and I can do that to-night."
"Suppose you come up to the office, then, after you finish your lunch. I want to talk with you."