the generous and graceful
thing, like the hero in a novel, and take up the mortgages?"

Edward Cossey did not reject this suggestion with the contempt that
might have been expected; on the contrary he appeared to be turning
the matter over in his mind, for he drummed a little tune with his
knuckles and stared out of the window.

"What is the sum?" he said presently.

"Five-and-twenty thousand, and he wants four more, say thirty
thousand."

"And where am I going to find thirty thousand pounds to take up a
bundle of mortgages which will probably never pay a farthing of
interest? Why, I have not got three thousand that I can come at.
Besides," he added, recollecting himself, "why should I interfere?"

"I do not think," answered Mr. Quest, ignoring the latter part of the
question, "that with your prospects you would find it difficult to get
thirty thousand pounds. I know several who would consider it an honour
to lend the money to a Cossey, if only for the sake of the
introduction--that is, of course, provided the security was of a legal
nature."

"Let me see the letter," said Edward.

Mr. Quest handed him the document conveying the commands of Cossey and
Son, and he read it through twice.

"The old man means business," he said, as he returned it; "that letter
was written by him, and when he has once made up his mind it is
useless to try and stir him. Did you say that you were going to see
the Squire to-day?"

"No, I did not say so, but as a matter of fact I am. His man, George--
a shrewd fellow, by the way, for one of these bumpkins--came with a
letter asking me to go up to the Castle, so I shall get round there to
lunch. It is about this fresh loan that the old gentleman wishes to
negotiate. Of course I shall be obliged to tell him that instead of
giving a fresh loan we have orders to serve a notice on him."

"Don't do that just yet," said Edward with decision. "Write to the
house and say that their instructions shall be attended to. There is
no hurry about the notice, though I don't see how I am to help in the
matter. Indeed there is no call upon me."

"Very well, Mr. Cossey. And now, by the way, are you going to the
Castle this afternoon?"

"Yes, I believe so. Why?"

"Well, I want to get up there to luncheon, and I am in a fix. Mrs.
Quest will want the trap to go there this afternoon. Can you lend me
your dogcart to drive up in? and then perhaps you would not mind if
she gave you a lift this afternoon.