“Signed by whom?”
“By Otis Wilkes.”
Without haste the doctor folded the check twice, and tore it into bits.
“Write another check,” he ordered quietly. “This time write it for fourteen thousand nine hundred forty dollars. This time sign your own name. Sign it Boothy Wilkes.”
To Joe Morrow the world went topsy-turvy. Through an incredulous haze he saw a snarling man sign a check and almost hurl it into his uncle’s face. As they came out upon the porch with Lady, Captain Tucker’s car swung into the driveway from the road.
“I’ll have men here in half an hour. Where’s Otis, Doctor?”
“Gone. Boothy’s inside.”
“Boothy?”
“Otis, if you like that name better,” the doctor said pleasantly.
For the second time that day Captain Tucker’s jaw sagged. Dr. Stone brought out his pipe, filled it, and puffed with calm enjoyment.