His thought is that he should destroy these telltale documents. Then he wonders what may be in these envelopes. There flashes over him a new feeling--a sharp, lightning-like stroke passes across his shoulder-blade and down his arm.
It is Esther's handwriting, faded but familiar. The envelope is still sealed. It is a letter he got at Washington.
The man trembles violently.
"'Fraid you're stuck?" asks Corkey.
The man hurriedly separates his bank-book from the letters. He displays the fresh and legible name of Robert Chalmers on the bank-book.
"I have a little in a New York bank," he says.
Corkey looks on the book. "The Coal and Oil Trust Company's Institution," he reads, "in account with Robert Chalmers. Well, money is a good thing. Glad you're fixed. Glad to know you. I'm fixed myself."
Corkey examines the list of failures. "I'm glad you're heeled," he says.
A boy is fastening a new bulletin on the window.
"There you be, now!" says Corkey.