“Still,” said the broker, deliberately, “we ought to consider Grant's explanation of the matter. He says that the bonds were intrusted to him for sale by a third party.”
“Of course he would say something like that,” returned Willis, shrugging his shoulders. “He can hardly expect anyone to be taken in by such a statement as that.”
“You think, then, that he had no dealings with this Morrison?”
“I don't say that, sir,” said Ford, remembering the story which he and Morrison had agreed upon. It may be stated here that he had been anxious to meet Morrison before meeting the coming appointment, in order to ascertain what had passed between him and Grant. With this object in view, he had gone to the usual haunts of the gambler, but had been unable to catch sight of him. However, as he had seen him the evening previous, and agreed upon the story to be told, he contented himself with that.
“You think, then, that Morrison may have given Grant the bonds?” said Mr. Reynolds.
“No, sir; that is not my idea.”
“Have you any other notion?”
“I think the boy may have been owing him money, and took this method of raising it.”
“But how should he owe him money?” asked the broker, curiously.
“I don't wish to say anything against Morrison, but I have been told that he is a gambler. Grant may have lost money to him at play.”