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312 Peter Mackeller rose slowly to his feet.

"Then you don't care to lend the money, Lord Stranleigh?"

"I've already told you, Mr. Mackeller, that you can have the money to-morrow if you wish it."

"But you believe I'll never be able to repay you?"

"Not so long as you muddle affairs as you are doing."

"Don't you think the money my wife has on deposit in the United States will be more than ample to cover a loan of twenty-six thousand pounds? She has seventy-five thousand pounds in the Knickerbocker Trust Company alone."

"I don't know enough about American finance to be able to answer that question."

"Very well, Lord Stranleigh, I am sorry to have troubled you about this matter. I'm very much obliged to you for receiving me here, and now I shall bid you good-night."

"Peter, sit down for a few moments longer."

"I must get away, Lord Stranleigh. I've a good deal to do."

"I daresay, Peter, but it's after ten o'clock at night now, and nothing can be done until morning. You may remember that when we began this conversation your only anxiety was whether or not I had time to listen to you. I told you I