There were only two living creatures visible on the front street. One was a dog, the other a man carrying a small valise and wearing a well-barbered beard. He was walking toward the bank.

The stranger ascended the steps where Evan stood and spoke in a tenor voice:

"Are you Mr. Nelson?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'm Inspector Castle."

CHAPTER XI.

JOYS OF BANKING.

The Banfield teller shivered an instant, but, on sudden thought, braced himself and began to say:

"You came in answer to my—"