Dan constantly found penciled calculations on the margins of the daily reports from the paper-mill, indicating that Bassett scrutinized the figures carefully, and he promptly questioned any deviation from the established average of loss and gain.

Bassett threw down his pencil at the end of half an hour and told Dan to proceed with the writing of the report.
"I'd like to file it personally so I can talk over the prospect of getting an order of sale before the judge goes on his vacation.

We've paid the debts and stopped the flow of red ink, so we're about ready to let go." While they were talking Miss Farrell brought in a telegram for Harwood; it was the summons from Mrs.Owen that he had been waiting for; she bade him come to Montgomery the next day.

He handed the message to Bassett.
"Go ahead.

I'll go over there if you like and find you the necessary bondsmen.