He would ask, among other things,
why Mr. Duncan had not informed him of the loss by cable, and no
satisfactory explanation could be given. He would ask, furthermore,
why detectives had not been employed to ferret out the mystery,
and here again no satisfactory explanation could be given. Prince
Duncan knew very well that he had a reason, but it was not one
that could be disclosed.
He next read the second letter, and his trouble was not diminished.
It was from a Wall Street broker, informing him that the Erie shares
bought for him on a margin had gone down two points, and it would be
necessary for him to deposit additional margin, or be sold out.
"Why did I ever invest in Erie?" thought Duncan ruefully. "I was
confidently assured that it would go up--that it must go up--and
here it is falling, and Heaven knows how much lower it will go."
At this point the door opened, and Randolph entered. He had a
special favor to ask. He had already given his father several hints
that he would like a gold watch, being quite dissatisfied with his
silver watch now that Luke Larkin possessed one superior to his. He
had chosen a very unfavorable moment for his request, as he soon
found out.
"Father," he said, "I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?" asked Prince Duncan, with a frown.
"I wish you would buy me a gold watch."
"Oh, you do!" sneered his father. "I was under the impression that
you had two watches already.
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