The
latter faltered a little on the threshold, when he saw Calton was not
alone, and seemed half inclined to retreat. But, evidently, thinking
there was no danger of his secret being discovered, he pulled himself
together, and advanced into the room in an easy and confident manner.
"This is the gentleman who wants to know about the cheque, sir," said
Thinton and Tarbit's clerk to Calton.
"Oh, indeed," answered Calton, quietly. "I am glad to see him; you can
go."
The clerk bowed and went out, closing the door after him. Moreland took
his seat directly in front of Calton, and with his back to the door.
Kilsip, seeing this, strolled across the room in a nonchalant manner,
while Calton engaged Moreland in conversation, and quietly turned the
key.
"You want to see me, sir?" said Calton, resuming his seat.
"Yes; that is alone," replied Moreland, uneasily.
"Oh, these gentlemen are my friends," said Calton, quietly; "anything
you may say is quite safe."
"That they are your friends, and are quite safe, is nothing to me,"
said Moreland, insolently, "I wish to speak to you in private."
"Don't you think you would like to know my friends?" said Calton,
coolly taking no notice of his remark.
"D--your friends, sir!" cried Moreland, furiously, rising from his
seat.
Calton laughed, and introduced Mr. Moreland to the others.
"Dr. Chinston, Mr. Kilsip, and--Mr. Fitzgerald."
"Fitzgerald," gasped Moreland, growing pale.
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