The door bell rang and the servant came in with a card.
Mr. Ross glanced at it, read the name with a look of pleased surprise, and
said, "Show the gentleman in here."
The next moment the two were shaking hands and greeting each other as old
and valued friends.
"I'm very glad to see you, Gordon!" exclaimed Mr. Ross; "but what happy
chance brought you here? Are you not residing somewhere in the West?"
"Yes; in St. Louis; and it is not a happy chance, but a painful duty that
has brought me to you to-night."
He spoke hurriedly, as if to be done with an unpleasant task, and Mr.
Ross's pulses throbbed at the sudden recollection that Larrabee also was
a resident of St. Louis.
He turned a quick, inquiring look upon his friend. "Out with it, man! I'm
in no mood to wait, whether it be good news or ill."
Gordon glanced toward the door.
Mr. Ross stepped to it and turned the key; then coming back, seated
himself close to his friend with the air of one who is ready for anything.
"Phil, my old chum," said Gordon, clapping him affectionately on the
shoulder, "I heard the other day in St.
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