“I didn't speak. The date seemed kind of familiar to me, that's all. Seem's as if I heard it recent, but I can't remember when. Seventy-five thousand, hey? Well, that wan't so bad, was it? With that for a nest egg, no wonder Heman's managed to hatch a pretty respectable brood of dollars.” “Oh, the whole seventy-five wasn't his, of course. Half belonged to his partner. But the poor devil didn't live to enjoy it. After the articles were signed and before the money was paid over, he was taken sick with a fever and died.” “Hey? He died? With a FEVER?” “Yes. But he left a pretty good legacy to his heirs, didn't he. For a common sailor--or second mate; I believe that's what he was--thirty-seven thousand five hundred is doing well. It must have come as a big surprise to them. The whole sum was paid to Atkins, who--What's the matter with you?” Captain Cy was leaning back in his chair. He was as white as the tablecloth. “Are you ill?” asked the congressman anxiously. “Take some water. Shall I call--” The captain waved his hand. “No, no!” he stammered. “No! I'm all right. Do you--for the Lord's sake tell me this! What was the name of this partner that died?” Mr. Everdean looked curiously at his friend before he answered. “Sure you're not sick?” he asked. “Well, all right. The partner's name? Why, I've heard it often enough. It's on the deed of sale that father has framed in his room at home. The old gentleman is as proud of that as anything in the house. The name was--was--” “For God sakes,” cried Captain Cy, “don't say 'twas John Thayer! 'Cause if you do I shan't believe it.” “That's what it was--John Thayer. How did you guess? Did you know him? I remember now that he was another Down Easter, like Atkins.” The captain did not answer. He clasped his forehead with both hands and leaned his elbows on the table. Everdean was plainly alarmed. “I'm going to call a doctor,” he began, rising. But Captain Cy waved him back again. “Set still!” he ordered. “Set still, I tell you! You say the whole seventy-five thousand was paid to Heman, but that John Thayer signed the bill of sale afore he died, as half partner? And your dad's got the original deed and--and--he remembers the whole business?” “Yes, he's got the deed--framed. It's on record, too, of course. Remembers? I should say he did! He'll talk for a week on that subject, if you give him a chance.” The captain sprang to his feet. His chair tipped backward and fell to the floor. An obsequious waiter ran to right it, but Captain Cy paid no attention to him. “Where's my coat?” he demanded. “Where's my coat and hat?” “What ails you?” asked Everdean. “Are you going crazy?” “Goin' CRAZY? No, no! I'm goin' to California. When's the next train?” CHAPTER XIX THE TOPPLING OF A MONUMENT