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Rh "Nothing will leak out from my office, Lord Stranleigh."

"By the way, do you happen to know, Montague, when the next annual meeting of the Great Southern Railway takes place?"

"The last day of the year, my lord."

"Will my ownership of this stock allow me to change the management of the road if I wish?"

"Of course. It is quite possible that you must give a month's notice, or something of that kind, if you intend to put forward a new board of directors, but I'll learn all that to-morrow and let you know. We're somewhat well on in the year now, and perhaps you may have to wait till the end of 1908. In case that should be so, will you go forward with the purchase?"

"Oh, yes."

"Very good. I shall have everything ready for you by half-past ten to-morrow"

"All right, Montague. Excuse my ringing you up at this untimely hour, won't you?"

"Oh, go to thunder! You've made me the happiest man in London, for if such a purchase as this becomes known within the next few days you will not only stop the panic, but you'll make millions on the rise of the stock, even if you wish to sell out after the annual meeting."

"Good-night, Montague. See you to-morrow."

"Good-night, my lord."