"On the contrary, sir; I have found things very unsatisfactory," was his answer. "Watkins is in the hospital, half dead from brain fever, his mother is a feeble old woman without a penny, and as for that young scamp who stole your money, he's among the missing—he's vamoosed entirely!"
"Well, why don't you find him?" asked Mr. Forbes, a little less pleasantly. "That's what I told you to do! Didn't you understand my orders?"
"I haven't had time to find him," muttered the detective, sullenly. "He's been spirited away. I think he's out of the city."
"So you see no way of getting back that three hundred dollars. Well, there's got to be a way! We can't afford to lose it!"
"Lose what?" asked Mr. Denton, coming in just then.
Mr. Forbes hastily repeated the detective's information.
"You say the mother is penniless and young Watkins critically ill? Well, I should think that was trouble enough for one family," said Mr. Denton slowly. "Mr. Forbes, it is my wish that you should stop right here! I wish you to drop the matter of the money completely."
"What!"
Mr. Forbes wheeled around in his chair and stared at his partner.
"I mean it," said Mr, Denton, "and, what is more, I command it! As senior partner of this firm I expect my orders to be respected!"