Once more the cringing figure of Magruder came into Anthony's mind, the gray of fear in his mean face, and unintelligible words upon his lips. "These things," said Anthony to the doctor, "would, I suppose, not be so favorable as the others?" "No," said Dr. King. He sat looking at Anthony steadily for a space; then he added, "How long do you mean to remain in the city?" "I don't know. It will, I think, altogether depend upon circumstances." Dr. King nodded. His eyes were still upon the young man, a look of speculation in them. He studied the well-set head, the clear eye, the long face, with its strong jaw, so like that of old Rufus. His glance took in the supple power of the body buttoned so tightly into the coat of Lincoln green, and the strong, ready hands that rested upon the arms of his chair. "You could, if you would, remain here?" said he. "I could." Dr. King put down his pipe and leaned across the table. "You never saw me before to-day," said he; "but I am your friend. I am your uncle's friend." He paused a moment, and then went on: "Do not go away. Stay here. You may be able to do nothing; and, then again, you may be able to do a great deal." "What?" demanded Anthony, and the out-thrust chin seemed to point at the man leaning toward him. Dr. King settled back into his chair; the aggressive chin, the stubborn frown knotted between Anthony's eyes seemed to bring him to a sudden decision. "If you are shrewd," said the doctor, "you may be able to prevent great losses upon land and sea. If you have courage you may stop death itself as it enters your uncle's house." "What losses threaten his goods?" asked Anthony. "What hand is lifted against his life?" "I know there have been losses," said Dr. King, "and instinct tells me there is danger. But I know nothing definite; I could not point to anything; I could not make an accusation that would stand reasoning over. And yet I am confident as I am that I'm speaking to you that you are needed at Rufus Stevens' Sons. Take the place that's yours in the counting-room; keep your eyes open; tell no one why you are there--_no one_, mind you; and, who knows? you may come to the bottom of a detestable state of affairs." "Then there is no immediate danger?" "No." Anthony pondered, pressing the black ash into the pipe bowl with his forefinger. "I will stay," said he, at last. V That night was not a very comfortable one for Anthony. He lay awake for a long time, his straight-forward mind laboring with the facts of the day; when he did finally drop off, his sleep was not a deep one; it was thronged with grotesque images, and incidents that caricatured what he had seen and heard.