it implied in Edith's heart, but finally he put the idea away with a

shrug.

"Impossible," he thought. "She thinks of me as I think of her, only as a

good friend."

CHAPTER XXIV.

IN THE TOILS.

At the office of the International Machine Company the work of the

C.P.A.'s was drawing to a close. Their report would soon be ready to

submit to Mr. Compton, and as the time approached Bince's nervousness

and irritability increased. Edith noticed that he inquired each day with

growing solicitude as to the reports from the hospital relative to

Jimmy's condition. She knew that Bince disliked Jimmy, and yet the man

seemed strangely anxious for his recovery and return to work.

In accordance with Jimmy's plan, the C.P.A.'s were to give out no

information to any one, even to Mr. Compton, until their investigation

and report were entirely completed. This plan had been approved by Mr.

Compton, although he professed to be at considerable loss to understand

why it was necessary. It was, however, in accordance with Jimmy's plan

to prevent, if possible, any interference with the work of the auditors

until every available fact in the case had been ascertained and

recorded.

In the investigation of the pay-roll Bince had worked diligently with

the accountants. As a matter of fact, he had never left them a moment

while the pay-roll records were in their hands, and had gone to much

pain to explain in detail every question arising therefrom.

Although the investigators seemed to accept his statements at their face

value, the assistant general manager was far from being assured that

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