"
"Yes," said the other, licking his dry lips, and fixing his small,
rat-like eyes on the face of Mr. Gibbs, as though he would read there in
advance just what the bank official was about to say.
"I understood you to declare, sir, that it was your positive intention
to devote the proceeds of the sale of those securities to bolstering up
your business; and even yesterday you assured me that if they could only
be found you would of course hand them over to the assignee, to be
devoted to the liquidation of your debts. Am I correct in this surmise,
Mr. Graylock?"
The merchant started, and half rose from his chair as a sudden fear
struck him; then he sank back again with a smile, undoubtedly reassured.
"Such was my intention, Mr. Gibbs; indeed, there could now be no other
course open to me. Have you found them, sir; were they mislaid; or did
some one in your employ take them after all, so that you feel disposed
to make their loss good?" and he had the audacity as he spoke to send a
bitter glance in the direction of the bank boy.
The president frowned, and the look of pity that was beginning to steal
over his face vanished.
"Then, sir, I have a piece of news for you that will undoubtedly bring
you great joy. The missing securities have been found, Mr. Graylock!" he
said, emphatically.
"Impossible!" gasped the wretched man, turning still more pallid.
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