"One is--I gather that you've invested all the money which Sir Gilbert placed in your hands ?" "Yes--about all," replied Mr.Paley.

"I have a balance--a small balance." "And the other is this," continued Mr.Lindsey: "I suppose all these American securities which he now has are of such a nature that they could be turned into cash at any time, on any market ?" "That is so--certainly," assented Mr.Paley.

"Yes, certainly so." "Then that's enough for me!" exclaimed Mr.Lindsey, rising and beckoning me to follow.

"Much obliged to you, sir." Without further ceremony he stumped out into the street, with me at his heels, to be followed a few minutes later by Mr.Portlethorpe.

And thereupon began a warm altercation between them which continued until all three of us were stowed away in a quiet corner of the smoking-room in the hotel at which it had been arranged Mr.Gavin Smeaton was to seek us on his arrival--and there it was renewed with equal vigour; at least, with equal vigour on Mr.Lindsey's part.