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106 here to oppose you, but as it has worked I'm going to possess it."

"I'm waiting for your bid, Mr. Flannigan," said the auctioneer, seemingly eager to show his independence of even so great a man. The mallet hovered over the desk.

"Seven hundred thousand," cried Flannigan impatiently. "A million," replied Stranleigh with great sweetness.

"Look here," said Flannigan, curtly, "will you compromise?"

"Yes."

"On what terms?"

"Give the million I have bid to old Sarsfield-Mitcham, then you and my friend Mackeller take hold of the company, Mackeller absorbing Sarsfield-Mitcham's share and you holding your own."

"That will give him control."

"Yes, but he's a splendid man, and as long as you work straight with him you have nothing to fear."

"It's against you, Mr. Flannigan," said the auctioneer.

"I agree to that," he nodded at Lord Stranleigh; then to the auctioneer, "All right; let him have it. He seems to want it worse than I do."

Then to Stranleigh: "Bring your friend round to my room in half an hour and we'll settle de-