“Before they call, I will answer.” Why, it had been made true for him. And he had never taken it as anything but a sort of a figure of speech before. He hadn’t really expected an answer when he was praying.

The screen door from the street was suddenly swung open and went shut on its patent hinges with businesslike precision, and Alan remembered it was nearly five o’clock. He looked up with sudden panic, and there stood Bill Atley.

Was God sending all the answers at once? A humble feeling of joy and relief filled his heart.

“Just stepped in to see if you found anything more wrong, kid,” said Bill, giving a quick glance around at the safe and desk. “Find all your papers?”

Alan sprang to his feet and drew the officer in behind the desk, beginning to talk in quick, low tones. He told what Lancey had seen and of his visit to Mrs. Brower, showed the telegram, and gave a brief explanation about the mortgage and what happened.

Bill’s enigmatic face continued unchanged during the recital. Only his bright keen eyes studied the other’s face, and he nodded intelligently as the story went on.

“Judge Whiteley is fixing up the mortgage, all right. I’m going to pay off the other,” Alan finished, finding great relief in saying the words, his voice ringing with a soft triumph. “But I thought maybe you’d like to look over this guy that’s coming—if he comes.”

“I sure would!” said Bill dryly. “Suppose you just beat it out the back way, kid, and leave me in charge? Anybody else here? Joe? All right! Let him stay. He can look after the customers. Where is he? I’ll give him his orders. You beat it! Don’t go to your house, the guy might chase ya and try to annoy ya. I’ll tell ya. Go down and see that Washburn girl ya had out riding this morning. Nothing like a lady to make a good getaway behind. I’ll call ya there if I need ya. All righty now, run along.”

Something in Bill’s kindly tone stung Alan. He turned with a flash of fraternity in his eyes.

“Cut it, Bill. I’m not a quitter! I’ll stay here and face it out. I just thought you might like to look him over for future reference if he came.”

“I sure would!” said Bill fervently. “But I mean what I say. I’ll handle this. What you don’t say can’t do no harm, see? I’d like to get this guy unawares. You’re no quitter, of course, but in this case, it’s better to get outta sight, see? We may need this lad’s fingerprints. Remember we’ve had a burglary last night. The fact that he didn’t get away with much doesn’t cut any ice. We wanna catch that bird and keep an eye on him, and we can keep him less suspicious with you outta the way. Beat it, kid.