urned Mr. Bayard, beating down a
chuckle.

"I've no doubt," observed Richard. "For all that I'd like to miss the
experience. This is my idea: suppose we divide men and not money. Give
me Senator Hanway, Mr. Harley, and Storri, and you take the five."

"It shall be as you desire," said Mr. Bayard, "for I see what you would
be at. This was not a speculation but a love affair; Miss Harley is your
profit."

Richard confessed to Mr. Bayard's reading of the riddle; Dorothy with
him had been the prize, and she was won. As for Mr. Harley and Senator
Hanway, Richard would have them released without loss; they were to be
restored, plack and bawbee, to what had been theirs on that tumultuous
Wednesday when the osprey pool made its initial swoop.

"Adjust the business with them June second," explained Richard. "My
wife"--he said "my wife" with a dignity that was visible--"and I will be
then on our way to the Mediterranean. Present yourself as the only one
in the affair, please; my name is a cat that I don't want let out of the
bag."

"And now, my romantic young friend," remarked Mr. Bayard, "you forget
Storri. What shall I do with the half-million taken from him?"

"Give one-half to Inspector Val; and with the other purchase an annuity
for a gentleman named Sands. I'll send Mr. Sands to you. I want to be
out of the country, however, before you arrange any of these matters."

"That's right," declared Mr. Bayard; "I know of nothing more grinding
than gratitude. By the way, how old is this Mr. Sands?"

"About thirty."

"He should have at least fifteen thousand dollars a year."

"He has so keen an approval of whisky," explained Richard, "that I don't
care to give him the money outright."

Mr. Bayard stated that he would send word to the old gray buccaneer,
fixing June second for the settlement and accepting the pool's offer of
seven millions.

"And when the day arrives," observed Mr. Bayard, "I'll carry out your
financial forgiveness of Senator Hanway and Mr. Harley."

"Not forgetting to hide my name?"

"Not forgetting to hide your name. But Inspector Val and Mr. Sands will
have to know."

"It will make the less difference; by that time I'll be three hundred
miles off-shore."

"And having," said Mr. Bayard, "so pleasantly adjusted our business,
suppose we smoke in confirmation of the adjustment. Also, if you will,
please explain the humbug of Mr. Gywnn. Why are you, who are among the
world's five wealthiest men, so