,
advanced from cash formerly loaned by Pierre's unsuspecting victim a
sufficient sum briefly to postpone the accounting. When the debts
matured, payment was demanded. The helpless debtor made frantic attempts
to raise the money, but failed.

"These pledged collaterals had been turned over to the last
money-lender, but in reality to Pierre Lanier, who claimed to have lost
them in a recent robbery.

"The creditor was obdurate, threatening legal proceedings to enforce his
claims. Pierre enlarged upon the probability that all his partner's
personal estate, if sold under the hammer, would not pay these debts.
His business associate then would be worse than penniless. He induced
the frantic debtor to deed him all real property except a small parcel
in London, promising to sell at advantage, pay the claims, and
faithfully account for the residue.

"After the deed had been delivered, Pierre induced this accomplice to
threaten his harassed victim with arrest for fraud and conspiracy in
thus disposing of all property.

"Under guise of friendly adviser, Pierre appeared much worried over his
partner's troubles. He magnified the impending disgrace of bankruptcy
and imprisonment.

"The proud, sensitive debtor, after a few days' hopeless worry, goaded
by threats, made desperate through Pierre's crafty, hypocritical
sympathy and deceitful insinuations, was found in the river.

"This partner had one child, a girl, who afterward died. There had been
attempts to deprive Pierre of this property, which was now of great
value. All adverse claims had been quieted. The shares of stock had
advanced and dividends were regular. From the proceeds he and Paul were
insured luxurious living and large, increased incomes, with swelling
bank credits.

"At times Pierre would seem to repent of his confidences and to plan
against discovery by some adroit qualifications, but Uncle Thomas eased
all concern by saying:

"'Oh, that's all right! I am deeper in the pool than you.'

"Whenever Pierre told of these exploits, the assistant was listening.
Uncle Thomas kept his promise to act as eavesdropper during Paul's
calls.

"After both Pierre and Paul had confided many of the facts of their
criminal conspiracy and other offenses, Uncle Thomas told me that he
purposed taking a trip to Calcutta. Thus might be learned details of
what Pierre had suggested but ingeniously disguised. Perhaps, if we went
together, the Laniers might grow suspicious. He wou