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 disturbed. "He lef' Kingsbridge on the early train this mornin', sayin' that he'd meet me here to-night. I thought sure I'd find him waitin'."

"Left town, hey?" cried Riley. "Left town this mornin'! Well, I swear! So help me, he's skipped!"

He was not the only one through whose head had passed the same thought, but Henry Cope immediately raised an agitated protest against such an idea, asserting his belief that the absent man would put in an appearance. They were induced to wait a while, although it was likely that Cope was the only one who was not satisfied that time was being wasted. In his heart, even the grocer began to doubt.

As the minutes ticked away, Cope looked anxious, Riley smoked and growled, Hutchinson remained cool, and Benton King fidgeted. Finally Anson Graham said:

"Gentlemen, it is now ten minutes past the time set for this meeting to be called, and I think we had better proceed without further delay; for it seems that the party accused does not intend to appear in his own defense. If you will please come to order, the secretary will read the protest of Manager Riley which led to—"

Breathless and anxious, Henry Cope had been