He held in his hand a sheaf of papers belted with a rubber band; he slid over the topmost of these papers, face down.
"It's endorsed," he said, pointing to his heavy signature.
"How will you have it, sir ?" Hudson inquired with a smile of mocking deference.
"Quick and now," said Pete.
Hudson flipped over the check.

The sneer died from his face.

His tongue licked at his paling lips.
"What does this mean ?" he stammered.
"Can't you read ?" said Pete.
The cashier did not answer.

He turned and called across the room: "Mr.Marsh! Mr.Marsh!" Marsh came quickly, warned by the startled note in the cashier's voice.
Hudson passed him the check with hands that trembled a little.

The vice-president's face mottled with red and white.