Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/28

 met them in London and New York, but when they are paying the price. I want to see them not when they are paying in cash, but when they are paying with life. I want to see them, not gambling on the Stock Exchange, but when the grim figure of Death puts up the opposing stake. I want to see those men, a mere rumour of whose ill-health sets Wall Street in a tremble. I want to study the face of such a man when a famous specialist tells him he must cease all connection with the affairs of the world if he is to remain in it for another half-year."

"My God!" groaned Peter, "that's what the doctor told me!"

"Oh, you're all right, Mac! I'm quite certain that before two months are past you will be as well as ever again. You are engaged in legitimate business, not in gambling. But now you know why I am going to Nauheim with you. Will the nine o'clock express from Charing Cross to-morrow morning be too early for you?"

"Too early for me?" cried Mackeller in amazement. "I should say not, but how about yourself?"

"Oh, I'll make the effort on an important occasion like this! That will enable us to catch the Ostend-Vienna train-de-luxe which will drop us off at