The others were local men of some position commercially and financially in the town.

Sibley did not give any sign that he noticed the three men, but he watched carefully from under the rim of his hat.

His imagination, however, read a story of consequence in the secretive vigilance of the three, who evidently thought that, standing far back in the room, they could not be seen.
Presently the door of the bank opened, and Sibley saw Studd Bradley lean forward eagerly, then draw back and speak hurriedly to his companions, using a gesture of satisfaction.
"Something damn funny there!" Sibley said to himself, and stepped forward to Crozier with a friendly exclamation.

Crozier turned rather impatiently, for his face was aflame with some exciting reflection.

At this moment his eyes were the deepest blue that could be imagined--an almost impossible colour, like that of the Mediterranean when it reflects the perfect sapphire of the sky.