“How serious?”
“Nearly ninety thousand dollars.”
“Whew! Serious, indeed!” exclaimed the detective. “Have you no way of getting at the exact truth?”
“Oh, yes, it can be done,” replied Gilsey quickly. “But it would require time, and occasion a publicity which I wish to prevent, for a day or two, at least, in the hope that Kendall will return, or can be found, and show that matters here are all right. In fact, Nick, I am inclined to think they are, and that I am needlessly alarmed; yet, for the protection of our depositors, I feel that I must take some step at this time.”
“Quite properly, too.”
“I wish to locate Kendall as quickly as possible. I want him here, that an explanation may be made. In case I am entirely wrong, however, and no deficit really exists, I do not wish Kendall to learn of my misgivings, and that I have employed a detective, the injustice of which would seriously and needlessly wound him.”
“That is very true,” admitted Nick thoughtfully. “I now see about what you want of me, Gilsey. You wish me to locate Kendall as quickly as possible, and send or bring him here without disclosing your doubts and apprehensions.”
“Exactly.”
“If he is perfectly honest, as you are still inclined to think, it should be an easy matter to locate him before to-morrow.”
“Easy for one of your experience, Nick; and that is precisely why I have called upon you.”