Part 45 (1/2)
”No, sir; I have not communicated with him in any way. You would not give me his address.”
”Of course I would not,” said the agent, feeling relieved. ”It would be mere impertinence for you to write to him.”
”Fortunately there is no immediate occasion for me to do so, as he has sent a representative here to investigate your official conduct.”
”A representative!” exclaimed Fairfield, now thoroughly startled. ”Where is he? I have not seen him.”
”He is present,” said Mr. Hamlin, indicating Frank.
The agent broke into a scornful laugh.
”You? Why, you are a peddler!”
”Only in appearance, Mr. Fairfield. I a.s.sumed that business in order not to attract attention or excite suspicion. I am really Mr. Percival's private secretary, as I can prove to your satisfaction.”
”Is this true?” he asked, in a changed voice.
”Yes, sir; quite true.”
”Have you written to Mr. Percival?”
”Yes, sir; and this afternoon I received a letter from him.”
”What did he write?” asked Fairfield, in a husky voice; for he was convinced now that Frank spoke the truth.
”He removes you, inclosing a check of three hundred dollars in place of notice, and appoints Mr. Hamlin in your place.”
”Will you read this letter, sir?”
It was enough. Fairfield knew that his management would not stand investigation, and he yielded with a bad grace.
Mr. Hamlin, the next day, to the great joy of the villagers, made known his appointment.
Fairfield left town and drifted to California, where he became an adventurer, living in a miserable and precarious manner. Mr. Hamlin moved into his fine house, and d.i.c.k was sent to a school to prepare for college.
The next day Frank started on his return to New York.
CHAPTER x.x.xIX
AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY
On his return to New York, Frank had no reason to be dissatisfied with his reception. From Mr. Percival to Freddie, all the family seemed delighted to see him.
”You mustn't go away again, Frank,” said little Freddie. ”I wanted to see you ever so much.”
”And I wanted to see you, Freddie,” said our hero, his heart warming to the little boy.