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328 rather frightened me with your pessimism. So I can buy my little Diabolo plaything and whirl it in the air, can't I?"

"Lord Stranleigh, I fear I am not yet awake. I think I am dreaming. I don't believe I am at one end of the telephone, and I can't credit what I'm hearing from the man at the other."

"Oh, that's the chilliness of the hall and the lack of radiators."

"The hall's hot enough now, I assure you, and I'm not going to bed to-night. Of course, you'll wish this purchase to be made as quietly as possible, otherwise the stock will jump up on us till we won't know where we are. May I call on you at nine o'clock to-morrow morning?"

"Heavens, no! I'll be sound asleep at that unearthly hour. What time do your reach your office in the City, Montague?"

"Nine o'clock. I'll be down there at seven to-morrow, though." "What an impetuous person you are! Very well; I can't get into my safe deposit vault until ten o'clock, so I'll call at your office at half-past ten. Of course, I want this accomplished with the utmost secrecy. There mustn't be a whisper of what we are doing breathed until the deal is completed. I'm leaving all the details to you, Montague, so if anything leaks out it will be your fault."