“You'll get very small interest there; I can invest it so you can make quite as much. However, there will be time enough to speak of that when you've got the money. Now, mother, I shall have to bid you good-evening.”
“Can't you stay longer, Willis? I feel so upset that I don't like to be left alone. I don't know what that boy may do.”
“I think you are safe,” said Willis Ford, secretly amused. But, as he left the house, he felt seriously disquieted. There was danger that Jim Morrison, when he found the money which he was to receive withheld, would be incensed and denounce Ford, who had received back his evidence of indebtedness. Should he divulge that the bonds had been given him by Ford, Grant would be cleared, and he would be convicted of theft.
As Ford was leaving the house a telegraph boy was just ascending the steps. It was John Cavanagh, already referred to.
As his eyes rested on Ford, he said to himself: “Where have I seen that feller? I know his face.”
Then it flashed upon the boy that he had seen Ford at the Grand Central Hotel, in the act of giving bonds to Jim Morrison.
“It's queer I should meet him here,” said the telegraph boy to himself. “I wonder what game he's up to.”
Johnny was introduced into the presence of Mr. Reynolds, for whom he had a message. On his way out he met Grant in the hall. The two boys were acquainted, Grant having at one time advanced Johnny two dollars toward paying his mother's rent.
“Do you live here?” asked the telegraph boy.
“Yes,” answered Grant.