"Cleverdale, 187–.
"Sir: On receipt of your letter I immediately returned to Cleverdale. When I thought you an honest man, I respected and loved you, but your crime has aroused me from this dream. Never dare address me again, for I abhor a villain.
Belle Hamblin.
"To George Alden."
"There, Senator, have Sargent copy this—imitating your daughter's handwriting—and mail it to the gusher. It will make him overflow with rhapsody—or profanity. Gracious! how I would like to see him when he runs his eyes over this billet-doux," and he ended his words with a long, low whistle.
The interview was but a short one, and the two men shook hands. Mannis, while leaving the private office and passing into the bank, whispered to Sargent:
"Come to my room at the hotel at noon, I wish to see you privately."
Promptly at noon Sargent entered the Cleverdale Hotel, and hastily going to Mannis's room rapped at the door. A voice within calling out, "Come in," the teller entered the apartment, and Mannis rose to meet him.
"Sargent, the old man is faint-hearted, and if something is not done to prevent, he will have Alden back here."
"Yes, I noticed he looked like a sick man when he came to the bank this morning. If he should repent, what would you and I do?"
"We must not give him a chance. Will you stand by me in this matter, Sargent? Remember, you are to be cashier."
"Stand by you? Yes, sir; I am with you and can take a hand in anything you suggest."
"Well, let's shake hands over that. Now let me whisper a few words in your ear."