"Just so. Then you couldn't afford to openly oppose your president. You would quickly lose your position if you did. We must move very carefully. Does Marston take an active interest in affairs at the bank? I mean is he familiar with the books, and the accounts--in other words, is he a live president, and not a figure-head merely?" "He's in every day, poking and prying around. There's nothing goes on that he doesn't know about." "Does the clerical force like him?" "He hasn't a friend in the bank, not even the cashier. We all know he's a rascal, but he's so powerful that we're afraid to say a word aloud when he's around." "What is your position, Dillard?" "Head bookkeeper." "Then let me make a suggestion to you. Watch Marston. Watch his every movement. You know the national banking laws. See that he doesn't infringe on them. A man as unscrupulous as he is liable to attempt anything. Watch him. Watch every mark he makes with a pen, and the first time he steps over the line come to me and let me know. Will you do it?" "I'll do it, doctor, and I don't believe I'll have to wait very long." Then they sat in silence for a few minutes, each thinking of what the other had said. Glenning spoke. "I hope you will understand me, Dillard, when I ask how Major Dudley's account stands?" "Certainly, doctor. I was looking at it yesterday, and it's almost even. Only a few dollars to his credit. I swear I don't know what'll become of 'em!" Glenning knit his brows thoughtfully. "They'll have to live in spite of Marston," he said. "How this will be I can't say now, but they shan't want because a low-lived rascal has the upper hand for the time. I shall want to begin a small account with your bank today." "All right. New depositors are always welcome." "And I must get away from this hotel, Dillard. After my experience last night I think it wise for me to change my quarters. Don't you know of a vacant room upstairs over some one of your business houses, and isn't there a private boarding-house where I might get my meals?" "I'm pretty sure I can fix you up that way. Suppose we start now, before I go to work? You can come back and finish packing." "Good; I'll appreciate your help."