Old Morton. My son's: I would prefer-- Capper. And this? (At L.) Old Morton. Mine, sir; if you choose-- Capper (locking door, and putting key in his pocket). This will do. Oblige me by making the necessary arrangements in your counting-room. Old Morton (hesitating and aside). He is right: perhaps it is only prudence, and I am saving Alexander additional care and annoyance. [Exit. Enter MR. SHADOW cautiously, C. Shadow (in a lisping whisper to CAPPER). I've got the litht of the clerkth complete. Capper (triumphantly). Put it in your pocket, Shadow. We don't care for the lackeys now: we are after the master. Shadow. Eh! the mathter? Capper. Yes: the master,--the young master, the reclaimed son, the reformed prodigal! ha, ha!--the young man who compensates himself for all this austere devotion to business and principle by dipping into the old man's vaults when he wants a pasear: eh, Shadow? That's the man we're after. Look here! I never took any stock in that young man's reformation. Ye don't teach old sports like him new tricks. They're a bad lot, father and son,--eh, Shadow?--and he's a chip of the old block. I spotted him before this robbery, before we were ever called in here professionally. I've had my eye on Alexander Morton, alias John Oakhurst; and, when I found the old man's doubloons raked over a monte-table at Sacramento, I knew where to look for the thief. Eh, Shadow? Shadow (aside). He ith enormouth, thith Mithter Capper. Enter OLD MORTON. Old Morton. I have arranged everything. You will not be disturbed or suspected here in my private office. Eh! (Looking at SHADOW.) Who has slipped in here? Capper. Only my Shadow, Mr. Morton; but I can rid myself even of that. (Crosses to SHADOW.) Take this card to the office, and wait for further orders. Vanish, Shadow! [Exit SHADOW. Enter JACKSON. Jackson. Mr. Alexander has come in, sir. (OLD MORTON and CAPPER start.) Old Morton. Where is he? Jackson. In his private room, sir. Old Morton. Enough: you can go. [Exit JACKSON. Capper (crossing to MORTON). Remember, you have given your pledge of secrecy. Beware! Your honor, your property, the credit and reputation of your bank, are at stake. Old Morton (after a pause of hesitation, with dignity). I gave you my word, sir, while my son was not present. I shall save myself from breaking my word with you, or concealing anything from him, by withdrawing myself. For the next twenty-four hours, this room (pointing to private room R.) is yours. Each regards the other. Exit OLD MORTON C., as CAPPER exit in private room R. After a pause, door of room L. opens, and HARRY YORK appears, slightly intoxicated, followed by JOHN OAKHURST.