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"I will not betray Mr Franklin's confidence inman "He's sick, and that would make it worse"

"How sick is he?"

"He is very, very ill It was an operation, and he has had a relapse

But we hope he's coave the name

"I think I'll call up and ask when it is expected that he can see

visitors," announced Fogg, with business briskness "I wish Franklin had

been here on deck--Franklin, himself"

"I don't believe Mr Franklin would turn a trick of this sort," asserted

the clerk "I'd hate to face hi it myself"

"Franklin would be able to see further into a financial deal than a

young chap," said Mr Fogg, severely, and then he found his number and

made his call "Good heavens!" he blurted, after a question "I am in

his office Yes, I'll tell Boyne"

With a fine affectation of grief and surprise, he snapped the

transmitter upon the hook and whirled on Boyne His back had been toward

the young man--he had spoken with hand across the receiver

"He has just died--he's dead! Franklin has passed away"

"I would have been notified," gasped Boyne