Part 63 (1/2)
Potts thanked him profusely ”I wish to see your cashi+er, to learn histhe accounts Much depends on that, and a short conversation will satisfy me”
”Certainly, Sir, certainly,” said Potts, obsequiously ”Philips!” he called
Philips ca as usual
”This is Mr Sreat Smithers of Smithers & Co, Bankers; he wishes to have a talk with you”
Philips looked at the great man with deep respect and made an aard bow
”You ht bow to Potts he left the bank, followed by Philips
He went up stairs and into a large parlor on the second story, which looked into the street He motioned Philips to a chair near the , and seated himself in an arm-chair opposite
Slance, and said nothing for soe, full eyes, as they fixed themselves on the face of the other, seehts and study every part of his weak and irresolute character
At length he said, abruptly, in a slow, ar Lawton!”
At the sound of this name Philips started fro His face, always pale, now became ashen, his lips turned white, his jaw fell, his eyes seemed to start from their sockets
He stood for a few seconds, then sank back into a chair
Smithers eyed him steadfastly ”You see I know you,” said he, after a ti look
”The fact that I know your name,” continued S of your history Do not forget that!”
”My--my history?” faltered Philips
”Yes, your history I know it all, wretched man! I knew your father whom you ruined, and whose heart you broke”
Philips said not a word, but again turned an iht you here to let you know that there is one who holds you in his power, and that one is myself You think Potts or Clark have you at their mercy Not so I alone hold your fate in ainst you for fear of their own necks”
[Illustration: ”AT THE SOUND OF THIS NAME PHILIPS STARTED FROM HIS CHAIR, AND STOOD ON HIS FEET TREMBLING”]
Philips looked up noonder, which was greater than his fear
”Why,” he faltered, ”you are Potts's friend You got him to start the bank, and you have advanced him money”
”You are the cashi+er,” said Smithers, calmly ”Can you tell me how much the Brandon Bank owes Smithers & Co?”
Philips looked at the other and hesitated
”Speak!”
”Two hundred and eighty-nine thousand pounds”
”And if Smithers & Co chose to demand payment to-morrow, do you think the Brandon Bank would be prompt about it?”