Duncan, who had hitherto kept
on his overcoat, rose to take it off. Unfortunately for him he quite
forgot the bonds he had in the inside pocket, and in his careless
handling of the coat the package fell upon the floor of the car, one
slipping out of the envelope a bond for one thousand dollars.
Prince Duncan turned pale, and stooped to pick up the package. But
the small man opposite was too quick for him. He raised the package
from the floor, and handing it to the bank president with a polite
bow, said, with a smile: "You wouldn't like to lose this, sir."
"No," answered Duncan gruffly, angry with the other for anticipating
him, "it was awkward of me."
Mrs. Duncan also saw the bond, and inquired with natural curiosity.
"Do they belong to the bank, Mr. Duncan?"
"No; they are my own."
"I am glad of that. What are you going to do with them?"
"Hush! It is dangerous to speak of them here. Some one might hear,
and I might be followed. I am very much annoyed that they have
been seen at all."
This closed Mrs. Duncan's mouth, but she resolved to make further
inquiries when they were by themselves.
Prince Duncan looked askance at his opposite neighbor. He was a man
who had come to Groveton recently, and had opened a billiard saloon
and bar not far from the bank. He was not regarded as a very
desirable citizen, and had already excited the anxiety of parents
by luring into the saloon some of the boys and young men of the
village.
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