Jethro did not look up. Mr. Balch went to the table and seized a pen and filled out a check for an amount that shall be nameless.
“I have made it payable to bearer, as usual,” he said, and he handed it to Jethro.
Jethro took it, and absently tore it into little pieces, and threw the pieces on the floor. Mr. Balch watched him in consternation. He began to think the report that Jethro had reached his second childhood was true.
“What in Halifax are you doing, Bass?” he cried.
“W-want to stop this consolidation, don't you—want' to stop it?”
“Certainly I do.”
“G-goin' to do all you can to stop it hain't you?”
“Certainly I am.”
“I-I'll help you,” said Jethro.
“Help us!” exclaimed Balch. “Great Scott, we want you to take charge of it.”