The suspected bank clerk showed no surprise when given the assignment that would take him out of town over-night. He had often gone on such errands before, and if, on this occasion, it interfered with his plans, he did not betray that fact.
“I want you to see this bank president,” said Mr. Bentfield, naming one who was the head of an institution some distance from New York, in a small country town. “Tell him I have agreed to his proposition about that loan, and about acting as his correspondent for the Metropolitan section. I’ll give you the papers for him to sign.”
“Very well, Mr. Bentfield. I’ll start to-night, as soon as I can go out to my boarding place.”
“No, I don’t believe you have time for that,” said the bank president quickly, for Larry had suggested this possibility: that, if Witherby was sent out of town, he would not come back; and if he had the million dollars hidden at his boarding place he would take the cash away with him. He must not be allowed, therefore, to go to his room until after the search.
“There is a train leaving the Grand Central station in a few minutes,” said Mr. Bentfield. “You can catch it by taking a taxicab. Here is money for your expenses, in case you need it, and if you want a change of clothing buy it, and put it on your expense bill. I want you to see this bank official to-night, if possible. I’ll telegraph him that you are coming, but you would miss him if you took a later train, and you’d have to, if you went out to your boarding-house.”
“Very well,” assented the bank clerk, and his manner was not at all disturbed, as he took the cash for his expenses.
“Well, if he had anything to do with the robbery of the million dollars he’s the coolest person I ever had any dealings with,” thought Mr. Bentfield. “He certainly is a good actor. But though I hope we find out who the guilty one is, and get the money back, I should dislike to learn that it was Witherby. Certainly he has his faults, but I think he is a good young man—or he was before he was tempted and fell—if he did.”
A little later Larry reached the bank again, and was closeted with the president.
“Well, I’ve got Witherby out of the way,” Mr. Bentfield remarked. “Now to make the search. Did you succeed in getting the warrant giving us permission to look through his room?” he asked of the lawyer, who was also present.
“I had to arrange for it by telephone. It will be waiting for us in Hackenford. It is going to be rather a delicate piece of work, Mr. Bentfield. It is sure to arouse suspicion in the mind of Mr. Witherby as soon as he learns of it.”