t little deal," he returned in a low, cold
tone, so cold that even the Beaubien could not repress a little
shudder. "I had him on Molino, but he trumped up a new company which
absorbed Molino and satisfied everybody, so I am blocked for the
present. But, mark me, I shall strip him of every dollar, and then put
him behind the bars before I've finished!"

And no one sought to refute the man, for they knew he spoke truth.

At midnight, while the cathedral chimes in the great hall clock were
sending their trembling message through the dark house, the Beaubien
rose, and the dinner was concluded. A few moments later the guests
were spinning in their cars to their various homes or clubs--all but
Ames. As he was preparing to leave, the Beaubien laid a hand on his
arm. "Wait a moment, Wilton," she said. "I have something important to
discuss with you." She led him into the morning room, where a fire was
blazing cheerily in the grate, and drew up a chair before it for him,
then nestled on the floor at his feet.

"I sent Gannette home this evening," she began, by way of introduction.
"He was drunk. I would drop him entirely, only you said--"

"We need him," interrupted Ames. "Hold him a while longer."

"I'll soil my hands by doing it; but it is for you. Now tell me," she
went on eagerly, "what about Colombia? Have you any further news from
Wenceslas?"

"A cable to-day. Everything's all right. Don't worry. The Church is
with the Government, and they will win--although your money may be
tied up for a few years. Still, you can't lose in the end."

The woman sat for some moments gazing into the fire. Then:

"Lafelle was here again to-day."

"Hold him, too," said Ames quickly. "Looks as if I had made you a sort
of holding company, doesn't it?" he added, with a chuckle. "But we
shall have good use for these fellows."

"He gave me some very interesting news," she said; and then went on to
relate the conversation in detail. Ames laughed loudly as he
listened. "And now, Wilton," said the Beaubien, a determined look
coming into her face, "you have always said that you never forgave me
for making you let Jim Crowles off, when you had him by the throat.
Well, I'm going to give you a chance to get more than even. Jim's fat
widow is after your wife's scalp. I intend that she shall lose her own
in the chase. I've got my plans all laid, and I want your wife to meet
the lovely Mrs. Hawley-Crowles at the Fitch's next Thursday afternoon.