“I will keep them,” declared Kendall fervently. “God hearing me, I will keep them.”
Flood had already closed and tightly strapped the satchel, which he now hastened to place in Kendall’s hand.
“I pledge my word that the amount is right,” he said, with some feeling. “Now go as quickly as you can, and remember your promise! Go—go—and remember!”
Still profoundly agitated, Kendall hurried from the room, ignoring all observers, forgetful even of his sleeping friend upon the couch, and thus hastened alone from the house and sought the cool air of the early evening.
Nick Carter saw him emerge from the room, and Chick leaned nearer, saying softly:
“Shall I shadow him, Nick?”
The famous detective shook his head.
“No, Chick,” said he quietly. “There is no need of it.”
“Do you think so?”
“I feel assured. The man’s face tells the story. He is, indeed, short at the bank, but he will use this money to make good the deficit and conceal his crime. I am as sure of it as if I saw it done.”