t's the idea?" was shouted at him from every
side.

"I'm getting out," was the only answer he condescended.

Nugent Cassis was beginning to lose his nerve as emphasised by the fact
that he was continually winding his watch or pulling at his precise
grey beard. His usual air of calm ill-humour had deserted him and, as
Lord Almont laconically remarked, "Poor old Cassis is flapping in the
wind."

"Can't understand their motive," he repeated over and over again. "If
they believe they've got Barraclough tucked safely away, what can they
gain by this stock juggling?"

"They are laying a false scent presumably," said Mr. Torrington.

"They must be aware that we know about the kidnapping."

"I imagine so. At any rate Cranbourne intends to put them wise."

"Then where's the object?"

"Our friend Frencham Altar has disappointed 'em perhaps, so they turn
their attentions once more to our humble selves."

"Makes me almost wish we'd left the whole thing alone. Seventy
thousand pounds in three weeks. Appalling! Appalling!"

"But consider how we shall be requited when Barraclough turns up with
the concession."

"_If_ he turns up."

"We shall know at eleven o'clock tonight."

"That's purely hypothetical."

"My dear Cassis, the world is made up of hypotheses--dreams that
sometimes come true. What are you doing with your holdings in Estuary?"

"I'm selling."

The old man's eyes blazed.

"On the contrary, my friend. This is a fight and we fight to a finish,
please. By your leave we do not take the count until tomorrow morning."

"I'm not made of money," Cassis complained.

"Very well then, if you are determined to sell--sell to me."

"Are you crazy?"

"Possibly. Come over here."

Mr. Torrington took Cassis by the arm and led him to the excited group
surrounding Ezra P. Hipps. The American's head and shoulders appeared
above the crowd. He was offering Estuary Rails at fourpence three
farthings. Catching sight of Nugent Cassis he broke into a grin, shook
his head sadly and asked:

"Coming to join the party?"

"We are," replied Mr. Torrington, "in the form of purchasers. I'll buy
at four-three."

The American frowned.

"Say, you serious, Mr. Wise Man?"

"Perfectly."

"What'll you take?"

"All you've got."

The news went round like wild fire and half an hour later the price of
Estuaries was running up like quicksilver dipped in hot water.

"What in hell do you make of that?" Hipps deman