had got his wife. The marriage could not
be undone. Mr. Wharton had money enough for them all, and would not
certainly discard his daughter. Mr. Wharton could place him on a
really firm footing, and might not improbably do so if he could be
made to feel some confidence in his son-in-law. At this moment there
was much doubt with the son-in-law whether he had better not tell the
simple truth. "It has gone in by degrees," he said. "Altogether I
have had about L8000 in it." In truth he had never been possessed of
a shilling.

"Does that include the L3000 you had from me?"

"Yes; it does."

"Then you have married my girl and started into the world with a
business based on L5000, and which had so far miscarried that within
a month or two after your marriage you were driven to apply to me for
funds!"

"I wanted money for a certain purpose."

"Have you any partner, Mr. Lopez?" This address was felt to be very
ominous.

"Yes. I have a partner who is possessed of capital. His name is
Parker."

"Then his capital is your capital."

"Well;--I can't explain it, but it is not so."

"What is the name of your firm?"

"We haven't a registered name."

"Have you a place of business?"

"Parker has a place of business in Little Tankard Yard."

Mr. Wharton turned to a directory and found out Parker's name. "Mr.
Parker is a stockbroker. Are you also a stockbroker?"

"No,--I am not."

"Then, sir, it seems to me that you are a commercial adventurer."

"I am not at all ashamed of the name, Mr. Wharton. According to your
manner of reckoning, half the business in the City of London is done
by commercial adventurers. I watch the markets and buy goods,--and
sell them at a profit. Mr. Parker is a moneyed man, who happens also
to be a stockbroker. We can very easily call ourselves merchants, and
put up the names of Lopez and Parker over the door."

"Do you sign bills together?"

"Yes."

"As Lopez and Parker?"

"No. I sign them and he signs them. I trade also by myself, and so, I
believe, does he."

"One other question, Mr. Lopez. On what income have you paid
income-tax for the last three years?"

"On L2000 a-year," said Lopez. This was a direct lie.

"Can you make out any schedule showing your exact assets and
liabilities at the present time?"

"Certainly I can."

"Then do so, and send it to me before I go into Herefordshire. My
will as it stands at present would not be to your advantage. But I
cannot change it till