But this scheme did not work, and he made up his mind at last that he would have to tell Tony he must wait.

He did so.  Tony Denton, who fully expected this, and, for reasons of his own, did not regret it, said very little to Randolph, but decided to go round and see Prince Duncan himself.  It would give him a chance to introduce the other and more important matter.

It was about this time that Linton’s birthday-party took place.  Randolph knew, of course, that he would meet Luke, but he no longer had the satisfaction of deriding his shabby dress.  Our hero wore his best suit, and showed as much ease and self-possession as Randolph himself.

“What airs that boy Luke puts on!” ejaculated Randolph, in disgust.  “I believe he thinks he is my equal.”

In this Randolph was correct.  Luke certainly did consider himself the social equal of the haughty Randolph, and the consciousness of being well dressed made him feel at greater ease than at Florence Grant’s party.  He had taken additional lessons in dancing from his friend Linton, and, being quick to learn, showed no awkwardness on the floor.  Linton’s parents, by their kind cordiality, contributed largely to the pleasure of their son’s guests, who at the end of the evening unanimously voted the party a success.

CHAPTER XXIV

A COMMISSION FOR LUKE

Upon his return to the city, John Armstrong lost no time in sending for Roland Reed.  The latter, though rather surprised at the summons, answered it promptly.  When he entered the office of the old merchant he found him sitting at his desk.

“Mr. Armstrong?” he said inquiringly.

“That’s my name.  You, I take it, are Roland Reed.”

“Yes.”

“No doubt you wonder why I sent for you,” said Mr. Armstrong.

“Is it about the robbery of the Groveton Bank?”

“You have guessed it.  You know, I suppose, that I am the owner of the missing box of bonds?”

“So I was told.  Have you obtained any clue?”

“I have not had time.  I have only just returned from Europe.  I have done nothing except visit Groveton.”

“What led you to send for me?  Pardon my curiosity, but I can’t help asking.”

“An interview with a protege of yours, Luke Larkin.”

“You know that Luke was arrested on suspicion of being connected with the robbery, though there are those who pay me the compliment of thinking that I may have had something to do with it.”

“I think you had as much to do with it as Luke Larkin,” said Armstrong, deliberately.

“I had—­just as much,” said Reed, with a smile.  “Luke is a good boy, Mr. Armstrong.”

“I quite agree with you.  If I had a son I should like him to resemble Luke.”

“Give me your hand on that, Mr. Armstrong,” said Roland Reed, impulsively.  “Excuse my impetuosity, but I’ve taken a fancy to that boy.”