In
the statement left him, he had been charged with half of certain loans
Herbert had made to her, and he wondered whether this pointed to some
collusion between them. He thought it by no means improbable.

"I understand that Herbert knows nothing about these new developments,
and has no idea that the future of the two undertakings is promising?"
he said.

Singleton laughed.

"Not the slightest notion. If he suspected it, there would be nothing
to prevent his buying shares; nothing will transpire until the
shareholders' meeting, which will not be held for some time. Lansing
retired and sold out, because he was convinced that both companies were
worthless." He paused and added dryly: "I can't see why we should
enlighten him."

"Nor can I," responded George; and West nodded.

"Then," said Singleton, "when Lansing learns the truth, it will be too
late for him to profit by the knowledge. I believe he has thrown away
the best chance he ever had."

Shortly afterward Edgar came in and they talked of something else; but
two days later Herbert returned and George went over to Brantholme. He
was shown into the library where Herbert was sitting, and the latter
was on his guard when he saw his cousin's face. He greeted him
affably, however, and made a few inquiries about his farming.

George stood looking at him with a fixed expression.

"I think," he said shortly, "we had better talk business."

"Oh, well," replied Herbert. "I suppose you have studied my statement.
I needn't say that I regret the way matters have turned out; but one
can't foresee every turn of the market, or avoid a miscalculation now
and then. It would hurt me if I thought this thing had anything to do
with your going to Stephen's."

"We won't discuss that. I gave you authority to look after my affairs;
I want it back."

Herbert took a document from a drawer and laid it on the table.

"Here it is. But won't you let me try to straighten matters out?"

"Can they be straightened out?"

"Well," said Herbert with some embarrassment, "I'm afraid there's a
serious loss, but it would be wiser to face it and sell off the shares."

"I can do what seems most desirable without any further assistance."

George leaned forward and, as he picked up the document, a flush crept
into his cousin's face.

"I hardly expected you would take this line. Do you think it's right
to blame me because I couldn't anticipate the fall in value?"

"It strikes m