good bit, perhaps. If Dodge doesn't turn up without sensation
this is going to be our big story for a week. Dodge, you know,
is vice-president and actual head of the Second National Bank."

"Whew!" thought Dave Darrin, to himself. "It's easy enough for
any suspicious person to imagine a story! But it might not be
the right one."

"Some time ago," asked Dick thoughtfully, "didn't you publish
a story about some of the big amounts of insurance carried by
local rich men?"

"Yes," nodded Bradley.

"I think you stated that Theodore Dodge carried more than any
other citizen of Gridley."

"Yes; he carries a quarter of a million dollars of insurance."

"Is the insurance payable to his widow, or others---or to his
estate?"

"I don't know," mused News Editor Bradley, a very thoughtful look
coming into his face.

"Well, it's worth while finding out," pursued Dick. "See here,
suppose Dodge has been using the bank's funds, and found himself
in a corner that he couldn't get out of? Then, if the insurance
money goes to his widow, it would be hers, and no court could
take it from her for the benefit of his creditors. If it goes