Walter.     

       WALTER. [Vexed] Yes, I know—I was in such a tearing hurry that afternoon.     

       COKESON. [Suddenly] This has upset me.     

       JAMES. The counterfoil altered too—very deliberate piece of swindling. What was Davis's ship?     

       WALTER. 'City of Rangoon'.     

       JAMES. We ought to wire and have him arrested at Naples; he can't be there yet.     

       COKESON. His poor young wife. I liked the young man. Dear, oh dear! In this office!     

       WALTER. Shall I go to the bank and ask the cashier?     

       JAMES. [Grimly] Bring him round here. And ring up Scotland Yard.     

       WALTER. Really?     

CONTENTS

         He goes out through the outer office. JAMES paces the room. He stops and looks at COKESON, who is disconsolately rubbing the knees of his trousers.       

       JAMES. Well, Cokeson! There's something in character, isn't there?     

       COKESON. [Looking at him over his spectacles] I don't quite take you, sir.     

       JAMES. Your story, would sound d——d thin to any one who didn't know you.     

       COKESON. Ye-es! [He laughs. Then with a sudden gravity] I'm sorry for that young man. I feel it as if it was my own son, Mr. James.     

       JAMES. A nasty business!     

       COKESON. It unsettles you. All goes on regular, and then a thing like this happens. Shan't relish my lunch to-day.     

       JAMES. As bad as that, Cokeson?     

       COKESON. It makes you think. [Confidentially] He must have had temptation.     

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