I'm re reading the books for funsies on audio and my goodness, Mr poe is downright negligent. He clearly does not have the children's best interests at heart as stated numerous times from "you will be cared for in the most convenient way possible" to being a downright fool. I daresay he is his own reason for not getting anything done at the bank all day, since he is an incapable idiot.

My theory though: why does he have this strange cough? Is it perhaps as a result of severe smoke inhalation? Was he maybe involved all along and his sheer incompetence is actually a reflection of a previously uncovered plot against the parents of the poor children?!?!