it not be better than
going back empty-handed? He saw the yellow backed chequebook upon the
table. The moneylender opened it and dipped his pen into the ink.

"Shall I fill it up?" said he.

"I think, Admiral," remarked Westmacott, "that we had better have a
little walk and some luncheon before we settle this matter."

"Oh, we may as well do it at once. It would be absurd to postpone it
now," Metaxa spoke with some heat, and his eyes glinted angrily from
between his narrow lids at the imperturbable Charles. The Admiral was
simple in money matters, but he had seen much of men and had learned
to read them. He saw that venomous glance, and saw too that intense
eagerness was peeping out from beneath the careless air which the agent
had assumed.

"You're quite right, Westmacott," said he. "We'll have a little walk
before we settle it."

"But I may not be here this afternoon."

"Then we must choose another day."

"But why not settle it now?"

"Because I prefer not," said the Admiral shortly.

"Very well. But remember that my offer is only for to-day. It is off
unless you take it at once."

"Let it be off, then.

"There's my fee," cried the doctor.

"How much?"

"A guinea."

The Admiral threw a pound and a shilling upon the table. "Come,
Westmacott," said he, and they walked together from the room.

"I don't like it," said Charles, when they found themselves in the
street once more; "I don't profess to be a very sharp chap, but this is
a trifle too thin. What did he want to go out and speak to the doctor
for? And how very convenient this tale of a weak heart was! I believe
they are a couple of rogues, and in league with each other."

"A shark and a pilot fish," said the Admiral.

"I'll tell you what I propose, sir. There's a lawyer named McAdam who
does my aunt's business. He is a very honest fellow, and lives at
the other side of Poultry. We'll go over to him together and have his
opinion about the whole matter."

"How far is it to his place?"

"Oh, a mile at least. We can have a cab."

"A mile? Then we shall see if there is any truth in what that swab of
a doctor said. Come, my boy, and clap on all sail, and see who can stay
the longest."

Then the sober denizens of the heart of business London saw a singular
sight as they returned from their luncheons. Down the roadway, dodging
among cabs and carts, ran a weather-stained elderly man, with wide
flapping black hat, and homely suit of tweeds. With