That brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown.

'Why, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution.

Off I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 pounds apiece.

Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after what I may call a really hard day's work." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the banker, rising.

"Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done.