“Indeed, sir!” said Tom, surprised.
“One morning I had some very heavy payments to make,” the merchant proceeded. “I had, however, a considerable sum in bank, and valuable securities convertible at a moment’s notice, sufficient to provide for the balance required. At twelve o’clock I sent the clerk to the bank with a check. He didn’t return. I waited in the utmost anxiety for him to come back, but he had drawn the money, abstracted the securities, and taken to flight. Money was tight. I was unable to provide for my notes. The day passed, and I was a bankrupt.”
“How much did this man carry away with him?” asked Tom, interested.
“In money and securities, about one hundred thousand dollars.”
“Have you heard nothing from him since?”
“I have reason to think he is concealed somewhere in California.”
“Why don’t you pursue him?” asked Tom energetically.
“I can’t go myself. I have communicated with detectives there, but I have not much faith in their success.”
“It would be better to send a special agent.”
“Perhaps so, but I should not know whom to send.”