WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 161

 

“Thank you; I will do myself the pleasure to
call,” was coolly answered. ‘‘At what time will

ou be most at leisure ?”’

“During the afternoon. Say at four or five
o’clock.”’

‘¢T will be there at four,’”’ returned Martin, in a
bland voice, and with a courteous inclination of the
head.

“Very well—you will find me in.”

The merchant bowed to the accomplices—they
were nothing better—and retired.

“Humph! I didn’t expect to find him here quite
so early,” said Martin, with a sinister smile. “ I
rather guess I frightened him last night.”

“T rather guess you did,” returned the lawyer,
his countenance reflecting the light that played on
the other’s face.

‘¢ Will the money come ?” asked Martin.

“ Undoubtedly.”

“That’s good. Ten thousand?”

‘6 Yes.”

“ What did he say? He came to consult you, of
course ?”’

‘6 Yes.”

“‘Well, what did he say ?”

“More than I need take time to repeat. He is
ua frightened. That is enough for you to

now.”

“Ten thousand,” said Martin musingly, and
speaking to himself. ‘Ten thousand! That will
do pretty well. But, if he will bleed for fifteen
thousand, why may I not set the spring of my

14*