But Mr. Spaythe was not entirely satisfied with his attorney, although he did not express his dissatisfaction in words. Every few days he would go to Mr. Holbrook’s office and say: “Well?”
“The case is progressing finely,” was the invariable reply.
“What have you discovered?”
“Nothing definite as yet, sir; but I am getting at the facts and will report to you as soon as I can furnish absolute proofs.”
That did not content Mr. Spaythe, but it silenced him and he went away.
Toby remained quietly at the banker’s house, reading his few law books diligently and leaving his defense to his friends, as he had been urged to do. The Darings invited him to their home on many occasions, and so did Janet Ferguson; but the boy refused to go, saying that until his innocence was fully established he preferred to remain in retirement. It was a comfort to them all that the Spaythes were caring for Toby. The Darings, from little Sue up to Phoebe, were loud in their praise of the banker, who had never before been known to extend such kindly consideration to anyone. Mrs. Spaythe had died years before, when Eric was a baby, and a prim old lady, a distant relative, kept house for the father and son, who were both engaged at the bank during the day and seldom passed an evening at home. So Toby practically had the house to himself.
One evening Eric Spaythe called on Phoebe and they had a long talk about Toby Clark’s affairs.
“Hasn’t Mr. Holbrook done anything yet?” asked Phoebe impatiently.
“No; and I’ve an idea he doesn’t intend to do anything,” replied Eric.
“What makes you think that?”