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34 one of his financial accomplices for a consideration. I wanted to sound him first."

"H'm. You hit a weak point there," said Chelubai thoughtfully. "It certainly would do you no good professionally, except in financial circles. It seems to me that I, an independent American gentleman with a good knowledge of business, could make the offer much better. We Americans have the reputation for being fresher in our methods. What's our customer's address?"

"209B Old Jewry."

Chelubai pulled out his watch, and said: "Ten minutes to one. I'll be off at once; I may catch him, and get him to lunch with me. If the gang are on the point of unloading, there is no time to lose. He will probably want the business done quickly. He might even want Pudleigh removed to-night. While I'm making the proposition to Driver, will you try and get some information about Pudleigh, his habits and customs?"

"Very good," I said.

We hurried down into a hansom. Chelubai dropped me at the beginning of Fleet Street and went on to the city. I went into the Bodega, and, as I had expected, found there the man I wanted—Gregson, a financial journalist, who always knew the swindles of the moment, and their workers. He was willing