Several days later old Broker Bowles dashed into the room.
CHAPTER XIII.–Fred Makes an Unbusiness-like Loan.
The moment the old man entered the little office Fred sprang to his feet and confronted him. There was something in the wrinkled old face that told of a terrible state of mind.
"Mr. Bowles," said Fred, by way of breaking silence.
"Yes, I am Bowles. I have come to see you and get the truth out of you."
"Take a seat," and Bob pushed a chair toward him.
"I want to know who betrayed us in that Rock Island deal?" he asked Bob.
"No one betrayed you, Mr. Bowles. Fred saw Mr. Bryant buy the stock right along–all that offered–and so we decided that he was going to boom it. We bought 15,000 shares through Barron. That's all the betraying that was done."
"That's a lie! It won't do! I know better than that! Tell the truth, or I'll choke it out of you!" and he glared fiercely at Bob.