lt like one dead, indeed as a dishonored man he were better
dead. The bank was like a mausoleum, and he a lost spirit haunting
its precincts in quest of the undefiled body that had been his but
yesterday. Cass, the teller, certainly shunned him as he would a leper.
Lane, vindictively pleased that he had unearthed the villain, drew his
small soul into a shell of cold, studious politeness; much as a sea
spider might house his unpleasant body in a discarded castle of pink and
white.

Alan Porter was late--he had not come yet. Mortimer waited in suffering
suspense for his appearance. What would come of it all. Now that the
money was replaced, if the boy admitted his guilt to Crane, probably no
further action would be taken, but he would be dishonored in the sight
of his employer. Mortimer had sought to avert this; had not denounced
Alan in the first instance; by good fortune had been able to replace
the money; even now had refused to divulge the name of the thief. He was
well aware of the mass of circumstantial evidence, the outcome of his
own hurried actions, that pointed to himself as the guilty one. Better
this than that he should denounce the boy. Dishonor to the lad might
kill his father; for Mortimer was well aware of the doctor's edict. And
Allis, the girl he loved as his life, would hang her head in shame for
evermore. He was anxious to see Alan before the cashier did; he did not
want the boy to deny taking the money at first, as he might do if he
were unaware of the circumstances; it would place him in a wrong light.

Just before twelve Alan Porter came hurriedly in. He had missed his
train the night before, he explained in a general way to all. Mortimer
stepped up to him almost at once, speaking with low, earnest rapidity;
the cashier was in his own office and Mr. Cass was not within earshot.

"I put the money back, but its loss had been discovered yesterday. I
have been accused of taking it, but have denied it, accusing no one. I
want you to say that you borrowed it, thinking it no great harm, as it
was your father's money."

Alan would have interrupted him, but Mortimer said, "Wait till I
finish;" and then continued: "There will be nothing done to you, I feel
sure, if you will take this stand, because of your father's connection
with Crane. It will save me from dishonor--"

"Mr. Porter."

It was the cashier's voice of Damascus steel cutting in on Mortimer's
low, pleading tones.

Alan turned his head, and