"Did he go to the bank?"
"He certainly did."
"Weren't you there, too? Couldn't you see whether they gave him the bond or not?"
"Not being able to see through a foot wall, and a door still stronger, I am unable to give you the information you so courteously request."
"What do you mean? Can't you speak in plain English?"
"I'll do my best," laughed Fred, who so often had been the object of attention from his friends that now he was rejoiced that in a measure at least the tables were turned. "Well, we were at the bank," he continued. "My grandfather told me to stay outside while he went into Mr. Reese's office. They were in there about five minutes and then Mr. Reese came out and asked me to tell our canal-boat friend that his presence was desired in the office, so I went outside the bank and found the man they were looking for, gave him the message and then I went back."
"Didn't they want you in the office too?" inquired John.
"I didn't receive any strong urging to enter," laughed Fred, "so I decided it was better for me to stay outside."
"How long were they in there?" inquired Grant.
"I suppose it was about half an hour, but it seemed a good deal longer."