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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 their final report

would redound to his credit.

On a Thursday they informed him that they had completed their investigation,

and the report would be submitted to Mr. Compton on Saturday.

When Edith reached the hospital that evening she found Jimmy in high spirits.

He was dressed for the first time, and assured her that he was quite able to

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