ew to getting you out of this
bank, I cannot understand."

"I think Bob Hunter here can make it plain to you. He knows the whole
scheme."

"And it warn't no small scheme, neither," responded Bob. "It's lucky for
you that we got on to it before it was too late."

"What do you mean by this insinuation, young man?"

"Well, if you want to know, I'll tell you. Perhaps you remember I was
down here yesterday to see you, and I told you somethin' was wrong
then--didn't I?"

"Yes."

"And you didn't believe it, but just talked against Herbert Randolph
here."

"But I had good cause for doing so."

"Yes, if you think that stuff that Felix Mortimer give you was any
cause, then you did have some; but he was jest lyin' to you, that's what
he was doin', and I know it; and what's more, I can prove it," said Bob,
boldly and bluntly.

"You are making a strong statement," replied the banker, somewhat
bewildered.

"I know I am, but I couldn't say nothin' too strong about that Mortimer
feller."

"Felix Mortimer is in my private office. Dare you come in and face him
with these remarks?"

"You bet I dare--that's jest what I want to do."

"You shall do so, then," said the banker.

Herbert Randolph and Bob Hunter followed him, at his invitation, into
his private room.

CHAPTER XX.

FELIX MORTIMER DISCOMFITED.

Felix Mortimer sat at a desk facing the door, and was writing when
the banker and the two boys entered the room. He did not look up till
Herbert and Bob had advanced several steps toward him, and stopped. But
his eyes now met theirs, and he sprang to his feet like one suddenly
surprised by a lurking enemy. Herbert and Bob stood there for a moment,
boldly facing him. Not a word was spoken on either side.

The banker took a position where he could watch the effect of this
strange meeting upon both parties. He saw the color fade from young
Mortimer's face, and a look of unmistakable fear spread over it. In
fact, his whole manner betrayed the alarm that now possessed him.

In strong contrast to the appearance of this young villain was Herbert
Randolph's frank, truthful look. He had no cause for fear. The peculiar
fire that shone in his eyes revealed a meaning that was at once
impressive and determined. Before him stood one who had wronged him
outrageously, stolen his position away from him, and blackened his
character with ingenious falsehood.

Our hero thought of all this, and his blood boiled with manly
i