Phil Stark was resolved not to release his hold upon his old acquaintance. During the day he spent his time in lounging about the town, but in the evening he invariably fetched up at the bookkeeper's modest home. His attentions were evidently not welcome to Mr. Gibbon, who daily grew more and more nervous and irritable, and had the appearance of a man whom something disquieted.
Leonard watched the growing intimacy with curiosity. He was a sharp boy, and he felt convinced that there was something between his uncle and the stranger. There was no chance for him to overhear any conversation, for he was always sent out of the way when the two were closeted together. He still met Mr. Stark outside, and played billiards with him frequently. Once he tried to extract some information from Stark.
"You've known my uncle a good while," he said, in a tone of assumed indifference.
"Yes, a good many years," answered Stark, as he made a carom.
"Were you in business together?"
"Not exactly, but we may be some time," returned Stark, with a significant smile.
"Here?"
"Well, that isn't decided."
"Where did you first meet Uncle Julius?"
"The kid's growing curious," said Stark to himself. "Does he think he can pull wool over the eyes of Phil Stark? If he does, he thinks a good deal too highly of himself. I will answer his questions to suit myself."
"Why don't you ask your uncle that?"
"I did," said Leonard, "but he snapped me up, and told me to mind my own business. He is getting terribly cross lately."
"It's his stomach, I presume," said Stark, urbanely. "He is a confirmed dyspeptic--that's what's the matter with him. Now; I've got the digestion of an ox. Nothing ever troubles me, and the result is that I am as calm and good-natured as a May morning."
"Don't you ever get riled, Mr. Stark?" asked Leonard, laughing.
"Well, hardly ever. Sometimes when I am asked fool questions by one who seems to be prying into what is none of his business, I get wrathy, and when I'm roused look out !"
He glanced meaningly at Leonard, and the boy understood that the words conveyed a warning and a menace.
"Is anything the matter with you, Mr. Gibbon? Are you as well as usual?" asked Mr. Jennings one morning. The little man was always considerate, and he had noticed the flurried and nervous manner of his bookkeeper.
"No, sir; what makes you ask?" said Gibbon, apologetically.
"Perhaps you need a vacation," suggested Mr. Jennings.
"Oh, no, I think not. Besides, I couldn't be spared."
"I would keep the books myself for a week to favor you."
"You are very kind, but I won't trouble you just yet.
A little later on, if I feel more uncomfortable, I will avail myself of your kindness."
"Do so. I know that bookkeeping is a strain upon the mind, more so than physical labor."
There were special reasons why Mr. Gibbon did not dare to accept the vacation tendered him by his employer. He knew that Phil Stark would be furious, for it would interfere with his designs. He could not afford to offend this man, who held in his possession a secret affecting his reputation and good name.
The presence of a stranger in a small town always attracts public attention, and many were curious about the rakish-looking man who had now for some time occupied a room at the hotel.
Among others, Carl had several times seen him walking with Leonard Craig "Leonard," he asked one day, "who is the gentleman I see you so often walking with?"
"It's a man that's boarding at the hotel. I play billiards with him sometimes."
"He seems to like Milford."
"I don't know. He's over at our house every evening."
"Is he?" asked Carl, surprised.
"Yes; he's an old acquaintance of Uncle Julius.
