"Come along with us, if you like, Captain," invited Mr. Baldwin. "After we get through our business at the bank our party will lunch at one of the clubs. It ought to be pleasant for you."
Tom gratefully accepted, making a swift change from his uniform to ordinary street dress.
Gaston Giddings held his head a good deal higher than usual when he led the party from carriages into the sombre, solid old building in which the Sheepmen's Bank was housed. The young president conducted his party through the long counting room and into the president's office at the rear.
Here Giddings took command, as by right. Showing his guests to seats, he stepped over to a massive roll-top desk, unlocking it and throwing the roll up. Then he pressed a button on his desk. One of the bank's messengers entered.
"Ask Mr. Rollings to come in," desired Giddings.
The messenger soon returned, to report:
"Mr. Rollings is out at this moment. Mr. Conroy, the first assistant cashier, is at his desk."
"Mr. Conroy will do, then."
The first assistant cashier was soon in the president's office. To him Giddings explained about the loan that had been decided upon.