Mrs. Grant was in the back part of the house, and Andy was in the
sitting room before she was fully aware of his presence. Then she came
in from the kitchen, where she was preparing supper.

Her face seemed careworn, but there was a smile upon it as she greeted
her son.

"Then you got my telegram?" she said. "I didn't think you would be here
so soon."

"I started at once, mother, for I felt anxious. What has happened? Are
you all well?"

"Yes, thank God, we are in fair health, but we have met with
misfortune."

"What is it?"

"Nathan Lawrence, cashier of the bank in Benton, has disappeared with
twenty thousand dollars of the bank's money."

"What has that to do with father? He hasn't much money in that bank."

"Your father is on Mr. Lawrence's bond to the amount of six thousand
dollars."

"I see," answered Andy, gravely, "How much will he lose?"

"The whole of it."