“Perhaps only for a few days.”
“Then I’ll give you my personal check, and make no other record of the transaction.”
As he drew his check book toward him Eric slipped back into the bank and resumed his stool. He was trembling as with an ague.
Presently Mr. Ferguson came to the window and asked Mr. Boothe to give him currency for the check. He spoke loudly enough for both Eric and Phil to overhear him.
“How will you have it, sir?” asked the cashier.
“Fifteen hundred in gold and eighteen hundred and ninety in bills.”
Eric nearly fell off his stool, and Phil looked up with a start. The effect upon the two boys was entirely different, however, for Daring had nothing to fear. So Phœbe’s secret was out, thought Phil, and Judge Ferguson was the person who had given her the money. But, in that case, why was the judge now asking for a similar sum, and in the same sort of money? The mystery was certainly beyond Phil Daring’s ability to solve. He gravely continued his work, feeling certain that everything would come right in the end. It hurt him, though, to feel he was not in his twin’s confidence.
Mr. Ferguson took his money and departed. When he reached his office he said to Toby Clark:
“Go back to the Eliot house and send Phœbe to me. You must remain to watch Miss Halliday, but you can do that from the lane, or from some other point of vantage. I don’t much care what the woman does while she is at home, but if she attempts to leave the place be prepared to follow her.”
“All right, sir.”