'Well, I believe I can't read. What the deuce does it mean?'
'Just what it says—Frank is free.'
The young man glanced over the paper. His face expressed surprise, but he said nothing.
'Then you've heard how things have been going on?' asked Cragin.
'No, not a word. I've seen that Hallet was abusing the boy shamefully. I came on, wanting an excuse to break the copartnership.'
'Do you know you've done me the greatest service in the world? I told Hallet, the other day, that we couldn't pull together much longer. He refused to let me off till our term is up; but I've got him now;' and he laughed in boyish glee.
'Of course, the paper releases you as well as Frank. It's a general dissolution.'
'Of course it is. How did you manage to get it? Hallet must have been crazy. He wasn't John Hallet, that's certain!'
'The genuine John, but a little excited.'
'He must have been. But I'm rid of him, thank the Lord! Come, what do you say to Frank's going in with me? I'll pack him off to Europe at once—he can secure most of the old business.'