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180 ties and a liking for the man himself; he should be asked to approach you regarding the project, and work the sympathy vein or the business vein, depending on which proved to be the line of least resistance."

"I see. And what did Mackeller say?"

"Mackeller would have nothing to do with the scheme one way or other, and absolutely refused even to mention it to you."

"Good man. I told you Mackeller was to be depended on."

"With that the conference broke up, giving me an opportunity to escape from my imprisonment. Of course, if there had been anything secret or disreputable about the meeting I should not have mentioned it, but nothing was said which might not have been uttered in your own presence. Hazel spoke in the most eulogistic terms of you, and although Mackeller said nothing in particular, it was quite evident that he felt the same way towards you. I learned from this talk that you were incredibly rich, and, in spite of that, a kind-hearted man. So, I said to myself, if I can get Lord Stranleigh to look at me, I think I may perhaps make a successful appeal to him."

"Well, my good man, you won't make a successful appeal to-night."

"Won't I?"

"No, you're about done out, and, bless my soul, it's nearly four o'clock. It will be daylight in a