It was nearly dark when Bessie returned.
Vance saw at once from her face that she had failed in her mission.
“You did not get his signature?” he said anxiously.
She shook her head sadly.
“It is feared by his physicians that Mr. Whitemore may die before morning,” she said. “He has not recovered consciousness at any time since he was taken home. I left the check-book, after explaining matters to Mrs. Whitemore, and she said if he regains his senses she will try to get her husband to sign.”
“Thank you, Bessie,” replied Vance gratefully. “You have done all that I could have done myself under the circumstances. I have been studying the situation, and feel confident if I had enough money I could save Mr. Whitemore. Unless I get it before business opens on the Board of Trade in the morning I fear it will be too late.”
There was a painful silence for some moments.
“I am glad you have returned, Vance,” said Bessie at length. “I don’t know what I should have done under these conditions had you still been away. I think I should have gone home at once and stayed there.”
“It would have been harder for you, I suppose. I hope we shall always be such good friends, Bessie,” said the boy earnestly.
“I’m sure there is no reason why we should not be,” she replied. “Now you must tell me where you have been, unless, of course, it’s a business secret.”