What can I do for you, Mr. Strong," said the banker, referring to Ted's
card.

"I come to you for information concerning a recent robbery and the
murder of an express messenger in an express car in St. Louis," said
Ted.

"In what capacity do you come?"

"As an officer of the government."

"Oh, ah, rather young for such work, aren't you?"

"Pardon, but that has nothing at all to do with it. I am a deputy United
States marshal, and have received instructions to examine into certain
matters regarding the recent robberies from express trains in this part
of the country."

"I suppose you have your credentials as an officer."

"I think I can convince those who have the right to know that I am what
I profess to be."

"Very well. I meant no offense, but there have been so many violent
things done out here, that naturally a banker desires to at least know
something of his callers. What can I do for you?"

"Did your bank make a shipment of currency to the East, last week?"

"Yes, sir, that is a well-known fact."

"What was the amount?"

"Forty thousand dollars. It was to meet some paper which was due in St.
Louis."

"And it was stolen from the express car?"

"Yes. The express company has reimbursed us for it."

"What sort of currency was it?"

"Mostly of our own issue."

"Do you recognize this bill?"

Ted took from his pocket the counterfeit bill of the bank, and handed it
to the president, who looked at it a moment and handed it back.

"Yes, that is one of the bills. The money sent was all in that series of
numbers."

Ted picked the bill up, and put it in his pocket.

"Here, you mustn't take that," said the president. "That is the property
of the bank. Give it to me. The express company will need it for
evidence."

"Then I will keep it. It will be safer with me."

A suspicion had entered Ted's mind, which was strengthened by the
conduct of the president, who was white-faced and trembling.

"From your examination of the bill, you are positive that it was one of
those shipped to St. Louis?"

"I am not certain, of course, but as I said, it is within the series of
numbers which we sent. Why do you ask?"

"Because it is a counterfeit."

The president sank down in his chair. He had suddenly become pale, and
was trembling like a leaf.

"What will you take for that bill, young man? Name your own price," said
Mr. Norcross.

"It is not for sale, and you have not money enough to buy it," replied
Ted