us air.

The Baron smiled a little foolishly, and then, with a confidential air,
replied--

"Ach, Bonker, marriage is blessed and it is happy, and it is
everyzing that my heart desires; only I jost sometimes vish it vas not
qvite--qvite so uninterruptable!"

CHAPTER XVI

In a dog-cart borrowed from his obliging host, Count Bunker approached
the present residence of Mr. Darius P. Maddison. He saw, and--in his
client's interest--noted with approval the efforts that were being
made to convert an ordinary fishing-lodge into a suitable retreat for a
gentleman worth so many million dollars. "Corryvohr," as the house was
originally styled, or "Lincoln Lodge," as the patriotic Silver King had
re-named it, had already been enlarged for his reception by the addition
of four complete suites of apartments, each suitable for a nobleman
and his retinue, an organ hall, 10,000 cubic yards of scullery
accommodation, and a billiard-room containing three tables. But since he
had taken up his residence there he had discovered the lack of several
other essentials for a quiet "mountain life" (as he appropriately
phrased it), and these defects were rapidly being remedied as our friend
drove up. The conservatory was already completed, with the exception
of the orchid and palm houses; the aviary was practically ready, and
several crates of the rarer humming-birds were expected per goods train
that evening; while a staff of electricians could be seen erecting the
private telephone by which Mr. Maddison proposed to keep himself in
touch with the silver market.

The Count had no sooner pressed the electric bell than a number of
men-servants appeared, sufficient to conduct him in safety to a handsome
library fitted with polished walnut, and carpeted as softly as the moss
on a mountain-side. Having sent in his card, he entertained himself by
gazing out of the window and wondering what strange operation was
being conducted on a slope above the house, where a grove of pines were
apparently being rocked to and fro by a concourse of men with poles and
pulleys. But he had not to wait long, for with a promptitude that gave
one some inkling of the secret of Mr. Maddison's business success, the
millionaire entered.

In a rapid survey the Count perceived a tall man in the neighborhood
of sixty: gray-haired, gray-eyed, and gray-faced. The clean-shaved and
well-cut profile included the massive foundation of jaw which Bunker
had confidently anticipa