Afire with curiosity, nevertheless young Rozier knew his father too well to linger and hurried to the telegraph office.
Entering the room, he unfolded the message to read it before giving it to the sender and as his eyes ran through the lines, he quivered with amazement.
"Monegaw Springs, Mo.
Pinkerton Detective Agency,
Kansas City, Mo.Send six of your best men to me here immediately. Wire train they leave on.
Forman A Rozier."
Obedient to his orders, the young aristocrat waited till the portentous despatch had been sent, then hurried to his home, eager to learn the details of the part he was to play.
Finding his father at supper upon his return, the youth was forced to curb his curiosity as best he might till the meal, which was served with pomp and ceremony ill-befitting the country village in which they were, was at an end.
Sally, her face and eyes showing traces of weeping, though whether from the scolding of her mother or the refusal of "Mr. Howard" to heed her appeal only she could tell, ate in silence, answering the few remarks addressed to her in monosyllables.
Usually the life of elaborate meals, with her caustic comments on her companions and merry prattle, her reticence cast a gloom over the others and they finished the repast as soon as possible.
"Sally is not to go to the hop tonight," declared the banker to his wife as he rose from the table. "If anyone calls to see me, I am engaged, but be sure they leave their names. Come, Forman." And he led the way to his study, locking the doors and stuffing the key holes with paper.
Surprised at the unusual precautions, the boy looked at his father.
"You never can be too careful about the servants," observed the latter, interpreting the unasked question.