“The motion having been duly made and seconded, I declare it carried, and this meeting stands adjourned pro tempore.”
CHAPTER X.
STRUCK DOWN.
Vance Thornton and his new friend William Bradhurst, the many-times millionaire, expected to reach Chicago over the P. C. C. and St. L. railroad at about seven o’clock on the morning following their departure from the Missouri junction town.
Their calculations were correct, and the train was entering the Union Depot, corner of Adams and Canal streets, when Jared Whitemore, after a visit to the Chicago National Bank, where he had received and perused Vance’s last letter, mailed after his departure from Elevatorville, was ascending to his office in the Rookery building.
Bessie Brown looked up as Mr. Whitemore entered the outer office, so also did Mr. Vyce, the bookkeeper.
Both noticed that their employer looked unusually stern.
The assistant bookkeeper was out attending to matters that usually fell to Vance to transact.
Without looking either to the right or left, Mr. Whitemore entered his private room.
Presently Bessie’s electric alarm buzzed, and she hastened into the boss’ sanctum.