But she found time to tell Jack all she knew about the fight for the bank, and to her surprise she found that her enthusiasm had proved contagious, for Jack was infected with as great an eagerness over the result as she herself. Melville Sponley had the lion’s share of their discussions, but they could not make out the purpose of his deceit. They were agreed that what they knew was too indefinite to speak to John about, at least as yet. “And anyway,” Jack observed, “Sponley isn’t an out-and-out villain.” “All the same,” said Dick, “I wish we could find out what his purpose was in saying he didn’t know Mr. Curtin.” Then she added, laughing, “That does sound detectivish, doesn’t it? We might set a detective to following Mr. Curtin.” “Yes,” he answered; “say we do.” The days of preparation and struggle came to an end at last, and John won. His father’s stock was not voted, and of the Board of Directors elected by the outside stock only two were likely to attempt to oppose his policy, while the other four were men he could count on to help him. He was sorry he had been forced to pledge to Curtin the position of assistant cashier; but he comforted himself with the reflection that the concession had been well worth the price. He had arrived, not at the goal, but rather, after years of waiting, at what he regarded as the starting line. The situation was very different from what he had been looking forward to. His hold on the presidency was so insecure that one of a dozen accidents might dislodge him; but he was in no humor for complaining. He had a chance, and that was all John Bagsbury needed. When he came home, bearing the good news, even Alice was excited, and Dick could scarcely contain herself. Jack came over while they were still at dinner, and hearing his voice in the hall, she rushed from the table to welcome him. “Well, we’ve won,” they cried simultaneously. Then they laughed and shook hands, both hands, and then for a second there seemed to be nothing more to say. Jack broke the silence. “When we get fairly settled, you must come down to see us.” “We! Us!” she exclaimed. “Jack! what do you mean?” “Why,” he said, “I asked Mr. Bagsbury for a job, and he has promised me one. I believe it is in what they call the kindergarten.” She had been looking at him in doubt as to whether or not he was making game of her; but now she saw that he was telling the truth, and she interrupted. “Jack! Jack!” she cried. Then with a little laugh she began again. “Oh, you absurd--” Again she stopped and said composedly:-- “We’ve not finished dinner yet. Will you come into the dining room to wait, or would you rather go into the library where you can smoke?” Jack went into the library and lighted a cigar very deliberately. Then he remarked with conviction,-- “If she’d looked that way for another second, I’d have kissed her.” CHAPTER V OLD FRIENDS