"Read it, Robert," said the lady, and opening the communication he did as requested. The cablegram was from Mr. Farley. It read as follows:
"Check 865, Frederic Vernon. Six hundred dollars."
"Check number 865," murmured Mrs. Vernon. "Robert, what is the last stub number in my book?"
"Number 838."
"Then check number 865 is a forgery!"
The young secretary bowed.
"It was drawn to the order of Frederic Vernon, and probably cashed by him," went on the lady, her breath coming short and fast.
"Mrs. Vernon, we are only reaching a conclusion we guessed at long ago," said the youth soothingly.
"I know, I know, Robert! Yet I had hoped there might be some mistake!"
"Your nephew is unworthy of the interest you take in him."