"What unearthly business brought you out at this hour?" said the wondering Mr. Stephens.
"Premonitions of evil," answered Theodore, laughing. "Do you believe in them?" And he glanced about the familiar room, and dropped himself into the great arm-chair, where he remembered to have seated himself once at least before.
"What is the matter with this room?" he asked, as his eyes roved over the surrounding. "Something looks different."
"I have been having a general clearing out and turning around of furniture since you were in—moved the books and rubbish out of that corner closet for one thing, and prepared it for those closed ledgers. Good place, don't you think?"
"Has it strong locks?" asked Theodore, glancing around to the closet in question.
"Splendid ones, and is built fire-proof."
Theodore took in both the lock and the fact that the key was in it.
"An excellent place for them," he answered. "Is there anything in it now?"
"No, empty. What brought you here, Mallery? I hope you have no more work for me to do to-night. I was just thinking of my bed."
"A very little, sir. I have those papers ready for your signature, and it occurred to me if you could add that to-night I could get them off by the early mail."