“How long shall you be away, Mr. Fairchild?” asked the bookkeeper.
“I cannot yet tell. It will depend on the success I meet with in my business. I am afraid I may be absent four weeks.”
“Don’t hurry back,” said Mullins. “I will keep things running.”
“I rely upon your fidelity,” said the broker, not without significance.
“You may be assured of that. I have been in your employ for over five years.”
“And of course understand all the details of my business. That is true. Continue faithful to me and you will have no cause to repent it.”
“Thank you, sir. You need have no anxiety.”
“Chester,” said Mr. Fairchild, “you may go with me as far as the station and carry my grip.”
When they were outside, the broker said:
“I could have carried the grip myself, but I wished to have a parting word with you. Mr. Mullins is thoroughly acquainted with my business, but within the last six months I found myself distrusting him. In four weeks, for I shall be likely to be away that length of time, something may occur detrimental to my interests, and I heartily wish I had some one else in charge. I may rely upon you bearing in mind what I told you the other day?”