Part 23 (2/2)
”And it warn't no small scheme, neither,” responded Bob. ”It's lucky for you that we got on to it before it was too late.”
”What do you mean by this insinuation, young man?”
”Well, if you want to know, I'll tell you. Perhaps you remember I was down here yesterday to see you, and I told you somethin' was wrong then--didn't I?”
”Yes.”
”And you didn't believe it, but just talked against Herbert Randolph here.”
”But I had good cause for doing so.”
”Yes, if you think that stuff that Felix Mortimer give you was any cause, then you did have some; but he was jest lyin' to you, that's what he was doin', and I know it; and what's more, I can prove it,” said Bob, boldly and bluntly.
”You are making a strong statement,” replied the banker, somewhat bewildered.
”I know I am, but I couldn't say nothin' too strong about that Mortimer feller.”
”Felix Mortimer is in my private office. Dare you come in and face him with these remarks?”
”You bet I dare--that's jest what I want to do.”
”You shall do so, then,” said the banker.
Herbert Randolph and Bob Hunter followed him, at his invitation, into his private room.
CHAPTER XX.
FELIX MORTIMER DISCOMFITED.
Felix Mortimer sat at a desk facing the door, and was writing when the banker and the two boys entered the room. He did not look up till Herbert and Bob had advanced several steps toward him, and stopped. But his eyes now met theirs, and he sprang to his feet like one suddenly surprised by a lurking enemy. Herbert and Bob stood there for a moment, boldly facing him. Not a word was spoken on either side.
The banker took a position where he could watch the effect of this strange meeting upon both parties. He saw the color fade from young Mortimer's face, and a look of unmistakable fear spread over it. In fact, his whole manner betrayed the alarm that now possessed him.
In strong contrast to the appearance of this young villain was Herbert Randolph's frank, truthful look. He had no cause for fear. The peculiar fire that shone in his eyes revealed a meaning that was at once impressive and determined. Before him stood one who had wronged him outrageously, stolen his position away from him, and blackened his character with ingenious falsehood.
Our hero thought of all this, and his blood boiled with manly indignation. Had he been alone with Mortimer, I fear the latter would have suffered then and there the penalty for his villainy. But discretion was now the sensible course for Herbert, and he wisely restrained himself from an unbecoming demonstration of hostility.
”Do you know these young men?” asked the banker, sharply, addressing young Mortimer.
”I know one of them, sir--that is, I saw him here the morning you advertised for a boy,” replied Felix, commencing to rally.
”I recollect the fact. You refer to Herbert Randolph, I presume?”
”Yes, sir.”
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