d across
the table. He had been listening to every word of the conversation
between the two.

"You are a person of imagination, Mr. Pratt," he said. "I gathered
that from our brief business connection."

"Did you?" Jacob replied. "I had rather an idea--"

"Don't say a word," the other interrupted. "We had a little tussle, I
admit. Brain against brain, and you won. I have never borne you any
malice--in fact I should be proud to be associated in another business
venture with you."

The Marquis cleared his throat.

"I asked Mr. Pratt to meet you this evening, Mr. Montague," he said,
"not knowing that you were previously acquainted, but thinking that
you might like to put your latest scheme before him."

"I shall be proud to do so," was the prompt declaration. "My latest
scheme, Mr. Pratt, is simple enough. I propose to appeal to the
credulity of the British middle classes. I propose to form a sort of
home university for the study of foreign languages and dispense
instruction by means of pamphlets."

"I don't mean that one," the Marquis interposed. "I mean the little
scheme, the--er--one where a certain amount of remuneration in the
shape of commission was to be forthcoming for the introduction of
further capital. You follow me, I am sure?"

Mr. Montague's face was furrowed with thought. He sipped his wine and
looked across at Jacob furtively. A certain uneasiness was mingled
with his natural optimism.

"I am afraid," he said, "that Mr. Pratt is too big a man for us. What
about your brother-in-law, Lord William Thorndyke?"

The Marquis coughed.

"I think," he pronounced, "that I have already been too benevolent to
the members of my immediate family circle. Besides, it would be quite
impossible to ensure from my brother-in-law that measure of secrecy
which the circumstances demand."

Mr. Montague took another glass of wine and appeared to gain courage.

"It's quite a small affair, this, Pratt," he warned him.

"As a matter of fact," Jacob declared, "I am really not looking for
investments at all at the moment."

"No one is ever looking for investments," his _vis-a-vis_ rejoined.
"On the other hand, no man with large means sees a gold mine opening
at his feet without wanting to have his whack. If you see our little
venture with the same eyes as we do, Mr. Pratt, it is better for you
to understand from the first that yours must be a very small whack."

"Hadn't you better explain the scheme to Mr. Pratt?" t