victim; "I know it's no use appealing to your
pity, for you have none; or your honesty, for you've less of that than I
have. But doesn't it occur to you that it would be decidedly against
your interest to ruin me just now?"

"What do you mean?" said Ratman with a yawn.

"Why, you claim a certain name, and you have to prove your claim. Roger
has got the romantic notion into his head that if his elder brother can
be found, that brother shall have the property. He is more than half
inclined to credit your story already. You have to satisfy two other
persons, of whom I am one. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly," said Mr Ratman, who began to be interested. "I anticipate
no difficulty there."

"You forget that at present only a sickly boy stands between myself and
the property. It would surely mean something on my part for me to admit
a second life between."

"What is the use of talking nonsense?" said Ratman. "Even if you did,
for the sake of a little longer credit I might give you, own my right to
my own name, what's the use of that, when this man Armstrong has to be
satisfied too? If you could crack that nut there might be something in
it."

The captain groaned. He knew that every project would be pulled up
short at this sticking-point.

"Come," said Ratman encouragingly, "if you could work things in that
direction, it might be worth my while to give you time."

"I can do nothing. The fellow is immovable. In six months--"

"In six months everything will be too late. And now, what about the
other matter? Is that all right?"

Once more the captain groaned. "I can say nothing about it yet. She
knows my wishes, but as Robert Ratman she will not hear a word of it.
As Roger Ingleton, the elder, you may depend on it the matter will take
another view. All depends on your success there. When that's achieved,
the rest will come if you give her time."

Mr Ratman sneered.

"You are a glib talker, Oliphant. I admire you. Now listen. You want
credit, and you know how to buy it. One way or another, this business
must come to an end. I'll take new bills with interest at three months.
By that time everything must be square and smooth; otherwise you'll be
sorry you and your children were born, my boy. Order dinner. I'm going
back by the six train. Pass me that paper, and don't disturb me any
more by your talking."

As Mr Ratman, very well satisfied with his day's business, strolled
serenely back thr