“I have been sent to Chicago on the track of a shrewd young scoundrel who has absconded with over fifty thousand dollars in funds.”
“My God!” groans the old operator, for the striking similarity in the sums causes him to have a sudden horrible suspicion, which he endeavors to tear loose and cast away.
Aleck darts a quick glance at John, and is surprised to see that the young man simply flushes a little under the meaning words of the sheriff.
“The company that was so neatly robbed has offered me five thousand dollars for the capture of the thief, and double that if I save the funds. I am here in the interest of the great Hecla Mining Company.”
At this John changes his tactics—silence, contemptuous silence, he maintains no longer, but utters an angry exclamation.
“You say the Hecla, of Denver?” he demands.
“Those were my words, young man. It has been kept dark until this chase could be brought to a successful termination. I had hoped to lay low until receiving an answer to a message I sent, but circumstances combine to force my hand. Mr. Cereal, my dear sir, it pains me to do this thing, but duty leaves me no choice. You cannot cash that check, sir.”
“Why not?” demands John quietly.
“Because the money it covers is the property of the Hecla Mining Company.”
“Granted it was once, but is so no longer,” continues this remarkable young man, and Sheriff Bob secretly confesses that he never before ran across so collected a customer.