“I can tell you who will do a good deal better work on this case than the regular detectives, or the private ones, either,” said Mr. Potter, during a pause in the talk.
“Who?” demanded several directors at once.
“Larry Dexter!” exclaimed the millionaire. “He found me, when none of the other reporters, or police, could, and I thought I was pretty well hidden. Maybe he could find this thief.”
“And the million dollars!” added the black-moustached man eagerly. “That’s too big a sum to lose.”
“It certainly is,” agreed the president. “I have many times heard it said,” he went on, “that reporters are often better at solving crimes than the average detective. Perhaps it would be a good plan to have Mr. Dexter take up this case. Will you do it?” he asked. “I think we really need you. Will you act as a detective for us and try to earn that reward?”
“I’m a newspaper man,” said Larry simply, “and, though it is true that we often have to do detective work, I must act for my paper first.”
“But you could do that and help the bank, too,” suggested Mr. Potter. “Larry, I think this is just the chance for you. If you find the thief, and the million, you will have a big ‘beat’ for your paper. Why don’t you do it?”
“I will!” cried Larry. “In fact, my city editor has assigned me to this case, and I’m to do nothing else. But, of course, with the aid of the bank officials I can work to better advantage.”
“Then you shall have it!” exclaimed President Bentfield. “Gentlemen, Larry Dexter is to be given every aid in our power to endeavor to solve this bank mystery! And it’s my opinion that, if it isn’t solved, the Consolidated National will be the laughing stock of Wall street. Think of having a million taken right from under our noses, and not even a clew as to how it disappeared! Mr. Dexter, get busy, please!” and he smiled at our hero. There had come quite a change over Mr. Bentfield in a few hours, and Larry was the cause of it. The president and his associates looked keenly at the young reporter.