The Senator at first refused the invitation, but persuasion finally made him yield, and the two men left the bank. Returning an hour later, Senator Hamblin was in better spirits, the fresh air, together with several glasses of wine, having changed his whole demeanor. Despondency had given way to exuberance of spirits, and both men were soon seated side by side, smoking cigars. Then George Alden's letters were brought from their hiding-place and examined, Mannis remarking: "Well, he is a gushing youth if nothing else." It being decided an answer must be sent Alden, Mannis, taking paper and pen, wrote as follows: "CLEVERDALE, 187-. "SIR: On receipt of your letter I immediately returned to Cleverdale. When I thought you an honest man, I respected and loved you, but your crime has aroused me from this dream. Never dare address me again, for I abhor a villain. BELLE HAMBLIN. "To GEORGE ALDEN." "There, Senator, have Sargent copy this--imitating your daughter's handwriting--and mail it to the gusher. It will make him overflow with rhapsody--or profanity. Gracious! how I would like to see him when he runs his eyes over this _billet-doux_," and he ended his words with a long, low whistle. The interview was but a short one, and the two men shook hands. Mannis, while leaving the private office and passing into the bank, whispered to Sargent: "Come to my room at the hotel at noon, I wish to see you privately." Promptly at noon Sargent entered the Cleverdale Hotel, and hastily going to Mannis's room rapped at the door. A voice within calling out, "Come in," the teller entered the apartment, and Mannis rose to meet him. "Sargent, the old man is faint-hearted, and if something is not done to prevent, he will have Alden back here." "Yes, I noticed he looked like a sick man when he came to the bank this morning. If he should repent, what would you and I do?" "We must not give him a chance. Will you stand by me in this matter, Sargent? Remember, you are to be cashier." "Stand by you? Yes, sir; I am with you and can take a hand in anything you suggest." "Well, let's shake hands over that. Now let me whisper a few words in your ear." For five minutes the two men whispered together; then Sargent said: "By thunder! I never thought of that--but I am your man--that will check things certain." "Not a lisp of this," said Mannis; "but Saturday evening, at eight o'clock, meet me near the hollow road, and be sure to bring along that suit." In another moment Mannis was alone, and an hour later, behind a span of fleet horses, he was speeding over the road toward Havelock.