, and those who came late were
likely to find an empty platter. The two Bohemians felt that the
subject was too grave a one to trifle with, so they suspended their
judgment upon the Girdlestones while they clattered down to the
dining-room.

CHAPTER XI.

SENIOR AND JUNIOR.

Although not a whisper had been heard of it in ordinary commercial
circles, there was some foundation for the forecast which Von Baumser
had made as to the fate of the great house of Girdlestone. For some
time back matters had been going badly with the African traders. If the
shrewd eyes of Major Tobias Clutterbuck were unable to detect any
indications of this state of affairs in the manner or conversation of
the junior partner, the reason simply was that that gentleman was
entirely ignorant of the imminent danger which hung over his head. As
far as he knew, the concern was as prosperous and as flourishing as it
had been at the time of the death of John Harston. The momentous secret
was locked in the breast of his grim old father, who bore it about with
him as the Spartan lad did the fox--without a quiver or groan to
indicate the care which was gnawing at his heart. Placed face to face
with ruin, Girdlestone fought against it desperately, and, withal,
coolly and warily, throwing away no chance and leaving no stone
unturned. Above all, he exerted himself--and exerted himself
successfully--to prevent any rumour of the critical position of the firm
from leaking out in the city. He knew well that should that once occur
nothing could save him. As the wounded buffalo is gored to death by the
herd, so the crippled man of business may give up all hope when once his
position is known by his fellows. At present, although Von Baumser and
a few other such Ishmaelites might have an inkling from sources of their
own as to how matters stood, the name of Girdlestone was still regarded
by business men as the very synonym for commercial integrity and
stability. If anything, there seemed to be more business in Fenchurch
Street and more luxury at the residence at Eccleston Square than in
former days. Only the stern-faced and silent senior partner knew how
thin the veneer was which shone so deceptively upon the surface.

Many things had contributed towards this state of affairs. The firm had
been involved in a succession of misfortunes, some known to the world,
and others known to no one save the elder Girdlestone. The former had
been accepted w