Page:Barr--Stranleighs millions.djvu/200

188 up his mind not to join your board. If you've got anything feasible, I'll carry it out if it can be carried out."

"Oh, yes, you're a wonderful man to promise!"

"I'll not only promise, but I'll perform, unless the thing's impossible."

There was an interval so long that Hazel began to think the Exchange had cut him off.

"Are you there?" he called.

"Yes; wait a moment. Oh well, jump into a hansom and come up here. I'll give you one more trial."

"All right!" and with that Hazel rang off.

As he passed the billiard-room door, Stranleigh called to him.

"Come in and have a game, Johnny."

"Thanks, Stranleigh; I can't to-night. I'm busy. How late are you stopping at the club?"

"I don't know, but I'll wait till two o'clock if you say you're coming back."

"I'll be back before then. So long!" and with that the Honourable John made for the portico of the club, telling the hall porter to call a cab for him. As he stood there he caught a glimpse of an appalling face for a fraction of a second. His was the expression of a man who had been dead several days, and yet walked. The ghostly face turned towards him and gave him a ghostly glance, then disappeared into the darkness. The Honourable John shuddered.