"By the way, Luke," he said, "I am going to give a party
next Thursday evening, and I give you the very first invitation.
It is my birthday, you know."
"I accept with pleasure, sir. I look upon you as my warmest
friend, and as long as I retain your friendship I shall not care
for Randolph's malice."
CHAPTER XVIII
MR. DUNCAN'S SECRET
About two weeks later, Prince Duncan sat at his desk with a
troubled look. Open before him were letters. One was post-
marked London, and ran as follows:
"MY DEAR SIR: I have decided to shorten my visit, and shall
leave Liverpool next Saturday en route for New York. You will
see, therefore, that I shall arrive nearly as soon as the letter I
am now writing. I have decided to withdraw the box of securities
I deposited in your bank, and shall place it in a safe-deposit
vault in New York. You may expect to see me shortly.
"Yours in haste,
"JOHN ARMSTRONG."
Drops of perspiration gathered on the brow of Prince Duncan
as he read this letter. What would Mr. Armstrong say when
he learned that the box had mysteriously disappeared? That he
would be thoroughly indignant, and make it very unpleasant for
the president of Groveton Bank, was certain.
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