Part 12 (1/2)
”I think it will be well for you to keep near the bank, watching carefully all who approach. You never saw the Fox brothers, I presume?”
”I never had that pleasure.”
”Most people don't regard it as a pleasure. I will give you some description of them, which may help you to identify them. One is a tall man, very nearly as tall as yourself; the other is at least three inches shorter. Both have dark hair, which they wear long. They have a swaggering walk, and look their real characters.”
”I don't think it'll be hard to spot them. They generally ride on horseback, don't they?”
”Generally, but not always. They rode into Lee's Falls and up to the bank entrance on horseback. Perhaps for that reason they may appear in different guise here.”
”You haven't any pictures of them, have you?”
The president laughed.
”No one was ever bold enough to invite them into a photographer's to have their pictures taken,” he said.
”I see. Well, I think I shall know them.”
”Perhaps not. They often adopt disguises.”
”They won't come as Quakers?”
”That is hardly likely. I can give you one help. However they may be dressed, their eyes will betray them. They have flas.h.i.+ng black ones, and sharp, aquiline noses.”
”I'll know them,” said Luke confidently.
”I observe that you have a boy with you?
”Yes.”
”Is it your son?”
”No; I wish he were. I'd be proud to have such a son as that.”
”Perhaps we can use him. The bank messenger--a young man--is sick, and he can take his place temporarily.”
”Is there any pay for such work?”
”Yes, but it is small. We will give him ten dollars a week. Of course he must be honest and trustworthy.”
”I'll stake my life on that boy, boss,” said Luke warmly.
”His appearance is in his favor. Will you call him?”
Ernest was waiting in the doorway. He was anxious to learn the result of Luke's interview with the president of the bank. He had thought it very doubtful whether his proposal would be looked upon favorably, but hoped some good might come of it.
”The boss wants to see you,” announced Luke.
”All right; I will follow you. What luck are you meeting with, Luke?”