Three quarters of an hour later, the arnica applied and the swollen ankle neatly bandaged, Judith came downstairs in quest of a decanter of whiskey which her father kept carefully secreted in the dining room. Anna had expressed a desire for a “nightcap” and Mrs. Hale had begged Judith to prepare it for her.
Judith poured out a liberal portion of Scotch, replaced the decanter in its recess behind the sideboard, and then hastened toward the door, intending to add the hot water when she reached Anna’s bedroom. As she passed the drawn portières across the entrance to the library, her eyes caught a ray of light showing between its folds. Judith halted in surprise and, parting the portières, looked inside the library. Seated in her father’s favorite chair was her uncle, John Hale. By his side stood Frank Latimer, both with their backs partly turned toward her. Her uncle’s raised voice reached her in the stillness and she caught the mention of her husband’s name.
“I know very little about Joe Richards’ antecedents,” John Hale stated. “He seems a good fellow, whole-souled, well-set-up—educated. We knew nothing of Judith’s marriage until her cable came.”
“How about Richards’ financial standing?”
“Why do you ask, Frank?” John Hale regarded his friend in surprise.
Latimer moved nearer. “The question is prompted by our long friendship, John, by my affection for Judith.” The gravity of his manner startled the listening girl. “I had to see you to-night; I could not rest until I did.” Latimer polished his round spectacles and adjusted them with care. “What we say is in confidence. It is imperative that I get some information about Richards, particularly as to his financial standing. Has he money?”
“He appears to have plenty of ready cash,” admitted John Hale slowly. “I heard to-day that he has applied for a position with the Ludlow Locomotive Works.” He paused. “Tuesday Richards went to our bank and asked for a loan, offered to supply bonds as collateral, and gave us as references—that is how I learned of the transaction.”
“Did the bank make the loan?”
“Not yet; the treasurer consulted me, and has the matter under advisement.” Again he paused. “It greatly depends upon the bonds he offers.”
Latimer stared at his companion. “Good Lord!” he groaned, and again wiped his glasses. “Listen, John, and don’t breathe a word of what I say, d’ye hear?”