He beckoned
for him to come out, and Leonard was glad to do so.
"Where are you going?" asked the bookkeeper,
observing the boy's movement.
"Mr. Stark is just across the street, and he
beckoned for me."
Julius Gibbon flushed painfully, and he
trembled with nervous agitation, for he feared
something had happened.
"Very well, go out, but don't stay long."
Leonard crossed the street and walked up to Stark,
who awaited him, looking grim and stern.
"Your uncle is inside?" he asked.
"Yes, sir."
"Tell him I wish to see him at once--
on business of importance."
"He's busy," said Leonard. "'He doesn't
leave the office in business hours."
"Tell him I must see him--do you hear?
He'll come fast enough."
"I wonder what it's all about," thought
Leonard, whose curiosity was naturally excited.
"Wait a minute!" said Stark, as he turned to go.
"Is Jennings in?"
"No, sir, he has gone over to the next town."
"Probably the box has not been missed, then,"
thought Stark. "So much the better! I can
find out how matters stand, and then leave town."
"Very well!" he said, aloud, "let your uncle
understand that I must see him."
Leonard carried in the message. Gibbon made
no objection, but took his hat and went out,
leaving Leonard in charge of the office.
"Well, what is it?" he asked, hurriedly, as
he reached Stark. "Is--is the box all right?"
"Look here, Gibbon," said Stark, harshly,
"have you been playing any of your infernal
tricks upon me?"
"I don't know what you mean," responded
Gibbon, bewildered.
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