Sometimes when I am
asked fool questions by one who seems to be
prying into what is none of his business, I
get wrathy, and when I'm roused look out !"
He glanced meaningly at Leonard, and the
boy understood that the words conveyed a
warning and a menace.
"Is anything the matter with you, Mr.
Gibbon? Are you as well as usual?" asked Mr.
Jennings one morning. The little man was
always considerate, and he had noticed the
flurried and nervous manner of his bookkeeper.
"No, sir; what makes you ask?" said Gibbon, apologetically.
"Perhaps you need a vacation," suggested Mr. Jennings.
"Oh, no, I think not. Besides, I couldn't be spared."
"I would keep the books myself for a week to favor you."
"You are very kind, but I won't trouble you just yet.
A little later on, if I feel more uncomfortable,
I will avail myself of your kindness."
"Do so. I know that bookkeeping is a strain
upon the mind, more so than physical labor."
There were special reasons why Mr. Gibbon
did not dare to accept the vacation
tendered him by his employer. He knew that
Phil Stark would be furious, for it would
interfere with his designs. He could not afford
to offend this man, who held in his possession
a secret affecting his reputation and good name.
The presence of a stranger in a small town
always attracts public attention, and many
were curious about the rakish-looking man
who had now for some time occupied a room
at the hotel.
Among others, Carl had several times seen
him walking with Leonard Craig
"Leonard," he asked one day, "who is the
gentleman I see you so often walking with?"
"It's a man that's boarding at the hotel.
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