“It does not, indeed, seem probable,” Nick allowed.
“Added to all this,” said Mr. Strickland, “there now are rumors, probably resulting from the gossip of the Dawson women, that Gordon has eloped with Pauline Perrot. If she is not in his office at her customary hour, ten o’clock, I shall begin to fear——”
Mr. Strickland was interrupted by the ringing of a telephone on a stand in one corner, and Wilhelmina uttered a cry, and ran to the instrument.
“Wait!” Nick exclaimed. “Let me answer it.”
The girl obeyed without a remonstrance, if not quite willingly.
“Well?” queried Nick over the wire.
The response came in quick, agitated tones:[Pg 7]
“Hello! I want Mr. Gordon, if he is there, or Mr. Strickland. Hurry!”
“Mr. Gordon is not here. Who are you?”
“Mr. Beckwith, his cashier. Where can I communicate with Mr. Gordon? Do you know? He was not at home last night. I have just called up his residence. I must find him, or——”