162 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

lancet a little deeper. I can make good use of my
money.” .

‘“¢No—no,” returned the lawyer quickly. “Ten
thousand is enough. Don’t play the dog and the
shadow. ‘This is over-greediness.’’

‘“‘ Well—well. Just as you say. I can make
him another friendly call in a year or so from this
time.”’

The lawyer smiled in a way peculiar to himself,
and then said—

‘“‘Hadn’t you better be content with five thousand
now. This goose will, no doubt, lay golden eggs
for some years to come.”’

‘¢ A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,”
was the quick answer. ‘I have gone in now for
the ten thousand; and ten thousand I must have.
I may be content with a smaller sum at my next
appearance.”

“You are to see him at four o’clock?” said
Grind.

‘Yes; that was the hour I named. So you
must get all the necessary papers ready for me in
time. I don’t want to let him get the hitch on
me of seeking to extort money. I only ask a
loan, and will give bona-fide security on my lead-
mine.” Then, with one of his low chuckles, he
added—“‘If he can get ten thousand dollars out
of it, he will do more than any one else can. Ha!
ha! ha!’

“The evidence of property, which you have,’
said Grind, ‘is all as it shows on the face ?”

‘It is, upon honour.”’

‘Very well. Then I will draw the necessary