"Yes, yes, he is upset," said the old man, quickly. "Robert's never
been himself since you fired at him, Jem. It was a mad act on your
part; but there, there! don't let's open old sores. Let me speak. Rob,
my dear boy, this is not a position in which a man can study self. We
are all linked together in this business, and the one who talks of
throwing it up talks of throwing his partners over. Think, my lad, of
what it means. You cannot draw back. It is impossible. This is a most
unhappy business, but the poor wretches brought their fate upon
themselves. They have fallen in our battle of life, and there is that
something to be done for all our sakes--our wives' and your sister's
sake. They must not know of this."

"That's right, uncle; that's right," growled Dennis. "Come, Rob, old
man, you must feel that this is good sound sense."

"Yes," said Rob, with a groan; "I suppose it is. There, uncle, go on."

"Yes, yes, my dear boy," cried the old man. "Well, here is our
position, to finish up what Jem has said. It would be easier and better
for us if we could call in the police and go through the inquest, but
you know it is impossible. Now then, has either of you anything to
propose over what must be done at once?"

There was utter silence, and Chester, as he stood there with a cold
perspiration making his hair cling to his temples, wondered that those
present did not detect the beating of his and his companion's hearts.

"No one speaks," said the old man, quietly; "well then, the old inventor
has to come to the front again, as he always has since we held the first
meeting, and had to look starvation in the face. Hark ye here, boys,"
he continued in a low, deep whisper; "I have turned it all over in my
mind, and there is only one thing to be done. I am not going to be
troubled about the disposal of what is, after all--speaking as a
chemist--so much matter which has to be resolved rapidly into its
primary constituents. There is the far cellar beneath the other house;
we must dig there. Then a few bags of cement, and a carboy of acid,
etcetera, and the matter is at an end."

Dennis drew a deep breath, and a low, hissing sound arose, which Chester
felt must have come from between Robert Clareborough's teeth.

"Well, have I spoken rightly?" said the old man.

"Yes, that's right," said James Clareborough.

"You others are silent, but of course you acquiesce. You must keep the
women down at The Towers,