Part 63 (1/2)
”For G.o.d's sake--” His face was chalky when he sprang out of his chair as though to stop her forcibly when she laid her hand upon the gate.
”Isn't there some other way--some concession that we can make?”
Wentz did not breathe, in the tense moment that she seemed to hesitate.
”Yes,” she flashed, ”there is one way to save your bank; turn over to me your and Neifkins' stock, which will give me the control.”
Wentz stood mute.
She demanded imperiously:
”Yes or no?”
”You--you would retain me as president?” he asked, heavily.
Her answer came with the decisive snap of a rapid fire gun.
”Certainly not. You demonstrated your unfitness to occupy a position of such responsibility when you allowed yourself to be influenced by a man of Neifkins' stripe, to say nothing of the lack of knowledge of human nature which you have shown in your dealings with me.
”The man who enabled me to block your game when you thought you had me down and out--not through any particular kindness of heart or chivalry, but because he had the gift of insight into character--the discernment to recognize a safe loan--will take your place. Abram Pantin, if he wants it, will be this bank's next president.”
Wentz looked his amazement.
So that was the source from which her money had come! The bank's ancient enemy had taken what any other man in Prouty would have considered an extremely long chance. Wentz never had blamed himself, but this news made him wince. Pantin--the fox--rather anyone else! A rebellious expression came over the man's face. With Abram Pantin in his chair his humiliation would be complete.
”I won't do it!” he blurted.
”Then you'll suspend. I don't bluff. There isn't a plea you can make, or a single argument, that will have any weight. There's but this one way to save your reputation and your bank. Do you quite realize what failure means, coming at this time? It means the finis.h.i.+ng touch to a nearly bankrupt town. It means that the temper of your depositors will be such that you're liable to be lynched, when they learn that you might have kept the bank open and did not. Think twice, Mr. Wentz.”
”G.o.d, but you're cold-blooded!” He groped for the chair and sat down.
”You pay me a compliment,” she answered, mockingly. ”I take it you consent?”
He muttered sullenly:
”There's nothin' else. Yes.”
CHAPTER XXIX
TOOMEY DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF
It had not been possible for Prentiss to go with Kate to Prouty but he had promised to come as soon as he could arrange his affairs. This had required something like two weeks, and in the interim the excitement attendant upon Kate's return had simmered down. She had not been in Prouty since, but Prentiss, having notified her of the day of his arrival, was now awaiting her appearance with an impatience that evidenced itself in the frequency with which he looked at his watch.
As Prentiss stood at the window of the Prouty House looking down Main Street, his face wore a smile that was at once amused and kindly.
So this was Kate's environment, or a part of it--where she had grown to womanhood. The very pavements seemed invested with a kind of sacredness because they had known the imprint of her feet.
It was little short of idolatry--this man's love for his daughter--representing as it did all the pent-up affection of his life, and as he had poured that out prodigally so he had lavished his wealth upon her, laughing in keen enjoyment at her dismayed protests.
”Why, girl, you don't understand at all! What is money for, if not to spend on some one you love?”