Reed remained to consult
with the merchant as to what was the best thing to do. Both
were satisfied that Prince Duncan, the president of the bank,
was the real thief who had robbed the bank. There were two
courses open--a criminal prosecution, or a private arrangement
which should include the return of the stolen property. The latter
course was determined upon, but should it prove ineffective,
severer measures were to be resorted to.
CHAPTER XXXIX
HOW LUKE WAS RECEIVED
Luke's return to Groveton was received with delight by his
mother and his true friend Linton. Naturally Randolph displayed
the same feelings toward him as ever. It so chanced that he
met Luke only an hour after his arrival. He would have passed
him by unnoticed but for the curiosity he felt to know where he
had been, and what he was intending to do.
"Humph! so you're back again!" he remarked.
"Yes," answered Luke, with a smile. "I hope you haven't
missed me much, Randolph."
"Oh, I've managed to live through it," returned Randolph,
with what he thought to be cutting sarcasm.
"I am glad of that."
"Where were you?" asked Randolph, abruptly.
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