"
"But you were here all the time!" cried Cameron. "And you must have
known what was going on. Why didn't you make yourself known? Why did
you let me go ahead with Orcutt? We could have had the business over
and done with two days ago--and no complications."
Hedin laughed. "You will have to take that up with Mr. McNabb. I was
following out instructions to the letter. And those instructions were
very specific about not closing the deal within half an hour of the
expiration of the options."
"But what was his idea?"
"As I said before, you will have to ask him. He had a reason, you may
be sure. I have noticed in my association with John McNabb that there
is generally a reason for the things that he does--though in many
instances the reason is beyond me."
Cameron's exasperation at the sudden turn of events subsided. He even
managed a smile. "He was within his rights," he admitted, "and as you
say, he must have had a reason. But I don't understand it. Wentworth
was McNabb's man too--until he swung over to Orcutt. Yet he never
suspected you were anything but Murchison's clerk."
Hedin laughed. "The reputation of being a fool doesn't hurt anyone.
It is rather an advantage at times."
"You have played your part well," admitted Cameron. "And McNabb has
played his part well--whatever that part is. Orcutt said he was losing
his grip, was in his dotage.
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