Monroe seemed hurt by the implied suspicion, but did not reply, thinking it best, if possible, to change the subject of conversation. Mr. Lindsay sat in silence, a silence that was broken only once or twice during the morning, and then by some friend or business acquaintance asking, in hurried or anxious tones, "Anything over to-day?" A mournful shake of the head was the only answer, and the merchant sunk into a deeper gloom. Again Monroe went to see Mr. Sandford, but with no better success. The third time he naturally spoke in a peremptory tone, and, giving his name and business, said, that he must and would see Mr. Sandford, or get the notes. The weight of his employer's trouble rested on him, and gave an unwonted force to his usually kind and modest temper. The clerk, not daring to break his instructions, and seeing that it was not far from two o'clock, intimated, in a half-confidential tone, that he would do well to ask Mr. Tonsor, the broker, about them. Nervous with apprehension, Monroe walked swiftly to Tonsor's office. At the door he met Fletcher coming out with exultation in every feature. Within stood Bullion, his legs more astride than usual, his chin more confidently settled over his collar, and the head of his cane pressed against his mouth. As Monroe entered, Tonsor ceased the conversation, and, looking up, said, blandly, "My young friend, can I do anything for you?" Bullion at the same time turned the eyes that might have been only glittering petrifactions, and pointed the long eyebrow at him inquiringly. "I hope so," was the reply. "Have you some notes in your possession payable to Walter Monroe?" "Who asks the question?"--very civilly. "My name is Monroe." "Ah! Mr. Sandford is your agent, I presume?" "Yes. I left the notes with him." "And you wanted to raise some money on them?" "Yes, that is what I wish." "Then you'll be pleased to know that Mr. Sandford has anticipated you. I loaned him eight thousand dollars upon them this morning." "Loaned _him_ eight thousand dollars?" "Certainly. Is it extraordinary that your agent has done what you desired?" "I never asked him to borrow for me; and I never authorized him to transfer the notes." "He hasn't transferred them; he has only pledged them." "He couldn't pledge them; he had no legal right in them." "But he _has_ pledged them, and they are in my safe, subject to the repayment of the sum I loaned." "If you have loaned Mr. Sandford money, that is your affair." "And yours, too, my friend, you will find, if he doesn't pay it." "You haven't a right to detain the notes a moment." "I have the possession, which will answer as well as the right. And let me advise you,--don't get excited and conclude that everything is wrong. You are not so well posted as you might be. Go and see Mr. Sandford, and I haven't a doubt you'll find the money ready for you."