s the table.

"Here's a bearer check for sixty thousand pounds which has just come in.
It is to pay the remainder of the purchase price due to Consolidated
Mines. Why they cannot accept the ordinary crossed check Heavens knows!"

Frank looked at the sprawling signature and smiled.

"You see, uncle's got a reputation to keep up," he said good-humoredly;
"one is not called 'Ready-Money Minute' for nothing."

The manager made a little grimace.

"That sort of thing may be necessary in South Africa," he said, "but
here in the very heart of the money world cash payments are a form of
lunacy. I do not want you to repeat this to your relative."

"I am hardly likely to do that," said Frank, "though I do think you
ought to allow something for uncle's peculiar experiences in the early
days of his career."

"Oh, I make every allowance," said the other; "only it is very
inconvenient, but it was not to discuss your uncle's shortcomings that I
brought you here."

He pulled out a pass book from a heap in front of him.

"'Mr. Rex Holland,'" he read. "He opened his account while I was on my
holiday, you remember."

"I remember very well," said Frank, "and he opened it through me."

"What sort of man is he?" asked the manager.

"I am afraid I am no good at descriptions," replied Frank, "but I
should describe him as a typical young man about town, not very brainy,
very few ideas outside of his own immediate world--which begins at Hyde
Park Corner--"

"And ends at the Hippodrome," interrupted the manager.

"Possibly," said Frank. "He seemed a very sound, capable man in spite of
a certain languid assumption of ignorance as to financial matters, and
he came very well recommended. What would you like me to do?"

The manager pushed himself back in his chair, thrust his hands in his
trousers' pockets, and looked at the ceiling for inspiration.

"Suppose you go along and see him this afternoon and ask him as a favor
to put some of his money on deposit. We will pay the usual interest and
all that sort of thing. You can explain that he can get the money back
whenever he wants it by giving us thirty days' notice. Will you do this
for me?"

"Surely," said Frank heartily. "I will see him this afternoon. What is
his address? I have forgotten."

"Albemarle Chambers, Knightsbridge," replied the manager. "He may be in
town."

"And what is his balance?" asked Frank.

"Thirty-seven thousand pounds," said the other, "and as he is not