Jasper.

"The bank is worrying me," said the old man.

Jasper Cole looked at him steadily.

"What's wrong with the bank?"

"There is nothing wrong with the bank, and the knowledge that my dear
nephew, Frank Merrill, esquire, is accountant at one of its branches
removes any lingering doubt in my mind as to its stability. And I wish
to Heaven you'd get out of the habit of asking me 'why' this happens or
'why' I do that."

Jasper lit a cigar before replying:

"The only way you can find things out in this world is by asking
questions."

"Well, ask somebody else," boomed John Minute at the door.

Jasper took up his paper, but was not to be left to the enjoyment its
columns offered, for five minutes later John Minute appeared in the
doorway, minus his tie and coat, having been surprised in the act of
undressing with an idea which called for development.

"Send a cable in the morning to the manager of the Gwelo Deeps and ask
him if there is any report. By the way, you are the secretary of the
company. I suppose you know that?"

"Am I?" asked the startled Jasper.

"Frank was, and I don't suppose he has been doing the work now. You had
better find out or you will be getting me into a lot of trouble with the
registrar. We ought to have a board meeting."

"Am I the directors, too?" asked Jasper innocently.

"It is very likely," said John Minute. "I know I am chairman, but there
has never been any need to hold a meeting. You had better find out from
Frank when the last was held."

He went away, to reappear a quarter of an hour later, this time in his
pajamas.

"That mission May is running," he began, "they are probably short of
money. You might inquire of their secretary. _They_ will have a
secretary, I'll be bound! If they want anything send it on to them."

He walked to the sideboard and mixed himself a whisky and soda.

"I've been out the last three or four times Smith has called. If he
comes to-morrow tell him I will see him when I return. Bolt the doors
and don't leave it to that jackass, Wilkins."

Jasper nodded.

"You think I am a little mad, don't you, Jasper?" asked the older man,
standing by the sideboard with the glass in his hand.

"That thought has never occurred to me," said Jasper. "I think you are
eccentric sometimes and inclined to exaggerate the dangers which
surround you."

The other shook his head.

"I shall die a violent death; I know it. When I was in Zululand an old
witch doctor