“No, not very,” said Madden, while both bankers appeared to wonder at the question.
“Is he worth a million?” asked Chick carelessly.
“Nothing like it.”
“Half a million?”
“No, nor half of that,” said Mr. Mellen. “He has only a small interest in this firm. His wife, who died a year ago, was a terrible spendthrift. I doubt that Mack could raise a hundred thousand dollars, to say nothing of half a million. His place up in Westchester County may be worth twenty thousand.”
“Does he live there?”
“Not since his wife died. He employs a man to care for the place, however, and goes out there occasionally. He lives in a suite in town.”
“I see,” said Chick, with eyes shining. “I suppose Mack acts as your treasurer, as well as cashier, doesn’t he?”
“He has charge of all of our securities, of course, if[Pg 33] that is what you mean,” said Mr. Madden. “But what of all this? What are you driving at, Mr. Carter?”
“I will tell you presently,” Chick replied. “Are your clerks still at work in the outer office?”