"I have but fifty dollars here, Gerald," said the old gentleman, "but I will give you a check on the Park National Bank of New York for a hundred and fifty. Probably that will be sufficient for you till you reach your destination."
"It seems to me a good deal of money, Mr. Nugent."
"Traveling is expensive, and it is not necessary for you to be economical. I want you to be comfortable. It will be best for you to carry your money in different places, not all in your pocketbook. Have you an inside pocket in your vest?"
"Yes, sir, but I never made any use of it."
"I will get my housekeeper to attach a button and make a button-hole, for better security. You can wear one of my vests while she is doing it."
"Shall I have any difficulty in drawing the money from the bank?"
"No; I will indorse the check and make it payable to you."
He drew a check for one hundred and fifty dollars, and indorsed it in this way. On the back he wrote: "Correct. John Nugent."
"You will have no trouble now," he said. "You will reach New York before twelve o'clock, and may as well cash the check and buy your ticket to Chicago. For the balance of the day you can go about wherever you please. I advise you to be careful and prudent, as you will have a considerable amount of money in your possession."
When Gerald reached the railroad station he found Abel on the platform. Abel followed him to the ticket office and listened while he called for a ticket to New York.