'Lord Chatham--he was then Mr.Pitt--was the executor of my grandfather's will, is connected with me by marriage, and at one time acted as my guardian.' Mr.Fishwick licked his lips as if he tasted something very good.

This was business indeed! These were names with a vengeance! His face shone with satisfaction; he acquired a sudden stiffness of the spine.

'Very good, sir,' he said.

'Ve--ry good,' he said.

'In fee simple, I understand ?' 'Yes.' 'Precisely.