Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/103

 to needless trouble, Wilson. I had already determined to take no action in the matter."

"You are very good," sneered Wilson. "Truth to tell, I thought of doing as you suggest, but what with the telegraph and improved communication all over the world, I concluded it wasn't worth the risk. It would have been a joke to pull out my four hundred and fifty thousand from Cutler's Bank before this cheque was presented, but as it is, I'm buying a small estate next to your own, and investing the rest of the money in reliable securities which will give me an income even larger than I need. I'm fond of this part of the world, and love the simplicity of country life as compared with the guile and chicanery of the city."

Lord Stranleigh laughed heartily.

"Virtuous man!" he cried. "How did you make all that money?"

"Rubber!" replied Wilson. "Your five thousand pounds' was changed into twenty-five thousand during the first week; sold, and re-invested; and I continued the game almost to the present moment. Now I'm going to settle down and devote my spare time to the invention and construction of a spring wheel that will render rubber tyres useless for automobiles."