"Don't know—he's gone."
Penhallow was troubled, but asked no other questions, as he was late. He might learn more at home. He rode through the town and on to the mills. There he transacted some business and went thence to the bank. The board of well-to-do farmers was already in session, and Swallow—a member—was talking.
"What is that?" said Penhallow as he entered, hearing Josiah mentioned.
Some one said, "He has been missing since Monday." "He drew out all his money that morning," said Swallow, "all of it."
"Indeed," said Penhallow. "Did he draw it—I mean in person?"
"No," said the lawyer, who was well pleased to make mischief and hated
Penhallow.
Penhallow was uneasily curious. "Who drew it?" he asked. "Josiah could hardly have known how to draw a cheque; I had once to help him write one."
"It was a cheque to bearer, I hear," said Swallow smiling. "Mrs.
Penhallow drew the money. No doubt Josiah got it before he left."
Penhallow said, "You are insolent."
"You asked a question," returned Swallow, "and I answered it."