offered it to his visitor.

"No, thanks," replied Bennington coldly, pushing back the proffered box.

Underwood was fast losing his self-control. Throwing away his cigar with
an angry exclamation, he began to walk up and down.

"I can account for everything if you give me time. You must give me
time. I'm hard pressed by my creditors. My expenses are enormous and
collections exceedingly difficult. I have a large amount of money
outstanding. After our pleasant business relations it seems absurd and
most unfair that your firm should take this stand with me." He halted
suddenly and faced Bennington. "Of course, I'm much obliged to you,
personally, for this friendly tip."

Bennington shrugged his shoulders.

"The warning may give you time either to raise the money or to get the
things back."

Underwood's dark eyes flashed with suppressed wrath, as he retorted:

"Of course, I can get them all back in time. Damn it, you fellows don't
know what it costs to run this kind of business successfully! One has to
spend a small fortune to keep up appearances. These society people won't
buy if they think you really need the money. I've had to give expensive
dinners and spend money like water even to get them to come here and
look at the things. You must give me time to make a settlement. I need
at least a month."

Bennington shook his head. There was a hard, uncompromising look in his
face as he replied caustically:

"They're coming for the things to-morrow. I thought it fair to let you
know. I can do no more."

Underwood stopped short.

"To-morrow," he echoed faintly.

"Yes," said Bennington grimly. "You might as well understand the
situation thoroughly. The game's up. The firm has been watching you for
some time. When you tried to sell these things to old Defries for
one-quarter their real value he instantly recognized where they came
from. He telephoned straight to our place. You've been shadowed by
detectives ever since. There's a man outside watching this place now."

"My God!" exclaimed Underwood. "Why are they hounding me like this?"

Approaching Bennington quickly, he grasped his hand.

"Bennington," he said earnestly, "you and I've always been on the
square. Can't you tell them it's all right? Can't you get them to give
me time?"

Before the manager could reply the telephone bell rang sharply.
Underwood started. An expression of fear came over his face. Perhaps the
firm had already sworn out a warrant for hi