CHAPTER XIX.
THE RIVALS AT THE BANK.
"Do you s'pose we will find that Mortimer feller at the bank?" askedBob, as he and young Randolph passed down Broadway towards Wall Street.
"Very likely we shall," responded our hero, absentmindedly.
"If he has heard of old Gunwagner's arrest, you bet he won't be there."
"The papers contained nothing about the arrest, did they?"
"No, not as I seen."
"Then the chances are that he is there."
"So I think. But what will you do, Vermont, if he is?"
"I don't know yet."
"You won't lick him, will you?"
"Oh, no, that wouldn't be a wise policy to pursue."
"But he deserves it."
"So he does, but I can't afford to lower myself by fighting."
"That's so, Vermont; but, all the same, I'd like to see you lay him outonce--the way you did at Gunwagner's--he deserves it."
"He deserves to be punished, but I think the law will do that."
"'Tain't quick enough," said Bob, petulantly. "A feller gets all overhis mad before he gets any satisfaction out of law."
"You are a comical chap, Bob," said Herbert; "but you have been one ofthe best friends I ever knew. If you had not come to my rescue, I shouldprobably never have walked down this street again."
"Oh, that's all right," replied the young detective. "Don't say nothingabout it."
The two boys had now reached the banking house of Richard Goldwin. Theirconversation, therefore, terminated as they entered the bank.
Just as the door was opened to them, Mr. Goldwin came out of his privateoffice, and his eyes fell upon Herbert and Bob.
"What do you mean, sir, by appearing in this bank again?" he asked, witha stern glance at young Randolph.
It must be remembered that he believed the story told to him by FelixMortimer, and therefore looked upon Herbert with grave suspicions, oreven contempt.
The banker's manner and implied insinuation wounded young Randolph'spride, and his cheeks became crimson.
"If you are not already prejudiced, I think, sir, I can explain to yourentire satisfaction," said our young hero, with a native dignity wellbecoming his manliness.
"It's jest what I told you yesterday mornin'," put in Bob. "Foulplay--that's what it was."
"I think I am not prejudiced to such an extent that I am incapable ofdealing justly with you," replied Mr. Goldwin, giving no heed to Bob'sremark.
"Thank you," said Herbert. "I am sure you are not, and if you willlisten to me, I will explain everything."
"A mere explanation from you, however, will not convince me."
"It should do so," replied Herbert, still further wounded by this coldremark.
"Not at all, since you have deceived me once."
"I have never deceived you, sir," answered young Randolph, with spirit.
"Of course you would say so," returned the banker, coolly.
"Most certainly I would, sir, when I am telling you the truth."
"Have you any evidence to sustain your position?" asked Mr. Goldwin.
"Yes, sir," replied Herbert; "my friend here can testify that I have notdeceived you. He knows the whole story--the plot from first to last."
Herbert Randolph's bold, straightforward manner impressed the bankerfavorably, and he now became less frigid towards him.
"There has evidently been deception somewhere," said Mr. Goldwin. "Whyany one should plot against you, with a view to getting you out of thisbank, I cannot understand."
"I think Bob Hunter here can make it plain to you. He knows the wholescheme."
"And it warn't no small scheme, neither," responded Bob. "It's lucky foryou 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 wasdown here yesterday to see you, and I told you somethin' was wrongthen--didn't I?"
"Yes."
"And you didn't believe it, but just talked against Herbert Randolphhere."
"But I had good cause for doing so."
"Yes, if you think that stuff that Felix Mortimer give you was anycause, then you did have some; but he was jest lyin' to you, that's whathe 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, somewhatbewildered.
"I know I am, but I couldn't say nothin' too strong about that Mortimerfeller."
"Felix Mortimer is in my private office. Dare you come in and face himwith 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, intohis private room.