Part 24 (1/2)
”I think you told me something about his getting another position, and this, you said, was probably the reason why he failed to continue working at this bank.”
”Yes, sir,” replied Mortimer, with bold effrontery.
”What have you to say to this young man's statement, Mr. Randolph?” said the banker.
Felix Mortimer's manner had already raised Mr. Goldwin's suspicions, but he wished to be doubly sure, and thus he proceeded carefully with the investigation.
”His statement is wholly false,” was our hero's reply. ”It was his miserable villainy that deprived me of my liberty, and kept me away from my work.”
Mr. Goldwin looked puzzled.
”The plot thickens,” said he. ”Give me your story.”
Herbert related how he had been victimized, telling the facts much as I have given them in the preceding chapters of this narrative.
”Tell him about the knock out,” put in Bob, who evidently thought this one of the best parts of the story.
”What was that?” asked the banker.
Herbert explained.
”So that was what gave you the swollen jaw, was it?” said Mr. Goldwin, addressing Felix Mortimer in a severe tone.
”No, it was not,” said he. ”I told you what did it, and I don't propose to hear any more lies from street fellows like these,” added Mortimer, contemptuously, and at the same time moving towards the door.
”Stop!” said the banker, firmly. ”You will not leave this room till this matter is cleared up.”
Young Mortimer winced, and Bob Hunter looked up at Herbert, and smiled suggestively.
”Mr. Randolph, this fellow stated to me yesterday that you were not from Vermont, that you are an impostor. What have you to say to this?”
”I can only say that I told you the truth.”
”Have you any way of proving your statement?”
”Here is a letter that I received this morning from my mother,” said Herbert, handing it to the banker. ”This, I think, will sustain my word.”
”The envelope is postmarked Fairbury, Vermont,” replied Mr. Goldwin, scrutinizing it closely.
”You may read the letter,” said our hero. ”It will doubtless convince you of my truthfulness.”
It ran as follows:
FAIRBURY, Vt., Thursday, November 12th.
MY DEAR SON:
Your letter reached us this evening, and it lifted a great load of anxiety from our hearts, for we could not help fearing some ill luck might have overtaken you--a stranger and an inexperienced boy in so great a city as New York.
Your father and I rejoice at your good fortune, and feel proud that our boy should be chosen by the banker from among so large a number of applicants for the same position. Your excellent start gives us fresh courage to fight the battle of life over again, and to try and regain our property, or so much of it as will be necessary to support us comfortably in our old age.