tell him. You see, I know Langdon--he comes to the bank sometimes.
He's that slick he'll hardly say 'Good-day,' for fear of giving
something away."

"Then how did you--how did people know there was something wrong?"

"Oh, a woman, of course--she blabbed. I think she's Dick Langdon's
sister, and--"

"Hush-hh!" and Allis laid her hand on the boy's arm, indicating with her
eyes the woman in the seat behind.

"I'd better go and tell father--"

"You needn't bother; he knows. It's a question of honor. Father said
he'd buy the horse, and he's gone to make good."

"I wouldn't; that sort of thing will break a man."

"It's a good way to go broke, Alan. Perhaps we'd all be richer if it
wasn't so strong in the Porter blood; but all the same, brother, you do
just as father is doing to-day--always keep your word. I tell you what
it is, boy"--and her face lighted up as she spoke--"father is a hero--
that's what he is; he's just the biggest, bravest man ever lived. He
couldn't do a mean act. How did you get away from the bank, Alan?" she
said, changing the subject; "I didn't know you were coming to-day."

"Mortimer was light, and took on my work. He's a good sort."

"Does he bet?"