night, riding two hours ahead of one of our defaulting agents, and
saved the bank a hundred thousand dollars. Certainly his devotion
to business is unremitting. (Aloud.) Any news from Col. Starbottle?

Jackson. He left this note, sir, early this morning.

Old Morton (takes it, and reads). "I think I may say, on my own
personal responsibility, that the mission is successful. Miss
Morris will arrive to-night with a female attendant and child."
(To JACKSON.) That is all, sir. Stop! Has any one been smoking
here?

Jackson. Not to my knowledge, sir.

Old Morton. There was a flavor of stale tobacco smoke in the room
this morning when I entered, and ashes on the carpet. I KNOW that
young Mr. Alexander has abandoned the pernicious habit. See that
it does not occur again.

Jackson. Yes, sir. (Aside.) I must warn Mr. Alexander that his
friends must be more careful; and yet those ashes were good for a
deposit of fifty thousand.

Old Morton. Is any one waiting?

Jackson. Yes, sir,--Don Jose Castro and Mr. Capper.

Old Morton. Show in the Don: the policeman can wait.

Jackson. Yes, sir. [Exit.