r a little more of
the article. For my part, although it will not hurt us publicly, for the
thing will never be noticed, I am sorry that we have lost Vernon, very
sorry indeed. I don't think him a fool, and awkward as they may be, I
respect his qualities."

"So do I, so do I," answered Mr. Haswell, "and of course we have acted
against his advice throughout, which must have been annoying to him.
The scheme as he suggested it was a fair business proposition that might
have paid ten per cent. on a small capital, but what is the good of ten
per cent. to you and me? We want millions and we are going to get them.
Well, he is coming to The Court to-morrow, and perhaps after all we
shall be able to arrange matters. I'll give Barbara a hint; she has
great influence with him, and you might do the same, Aylward."

"Miss Champers has great influence with everyone who is fortunate enough
to know her," answered Sir Robert courteously. "But even if she chooses
to use it, I doubt if it will avail in this case. Vernon has been making
up his mind for a long while. I have watched him and am sure of that.
To-night he determined to take the plunge and I do not think that we
shall see any more of him in this office. Haswell," he added with sudden
energy, "I tell you that of late our luck has been too good to last. The
boom, the real boom, came in with Vernon, and with Vernon I think that
it will go."

"At any rate it must leave something pretty substantial behind it this
time, Aylward, my friend. Whatever happens, within a week we shall be
rich, really rich for life."

"For life, Haswell, yes, for life. But what is life? A bubble that any
pin may prick. Oh! I know that you do not like the subject, but it is
as well to look it in the face sometimes. I'm no church-goer, but if
I remember right we were taught to pray the good Lord to deliver us
especially 'in all times of our wealth,' which is followed by something
about tribulation and sudden death, for when they wrote that prayer the
wheel of human fortune went round just as it does to-day. There, let's
get out of this before I grow superstitious, as men who believe in
nothing sometimes do, because after all they must believe in something,
I suppose. Got your hat and coat? So have I, come on," and he switched
off the light, so that the room was left in darkness except for the
faint glimmering of the fire.

His partner grumbled audibly, for in turning he had knocked his hand
against the