But not ruin!" "Yes, _ruin!_" said Sir Stephen, hoarsely.

"If you doubt it, look at him!" Falconer was standing with a sardonic smile in his eyes.
Stafford started.
"Is this true, Mr.Falconer ?" Falconer was silent for a moment, then he said, slowly, grimly: "In a sense--yes.

Your father's fate lies in my hands." "In your hands!" echoed Stafford, with amazement.
Sir Stephen groaned and rose, supporting himself by the arm of the chair.
"It is true, Stafford.

He--he has planned it with the skill of a general, a Napoleon! I see it all now, it is all plain to me.

You held my shares and securities, of course, Falconer ?" Falconer nodded.
"Of course!" he said, drily.
"And you have run them down to meet this scheme of yours." "Yes, of course!" said Falconer, again.