Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/282

 and keeping an eye on the Stock Exchange, I can realise at once in case of a decline if sufficient margin is not instantly placed in my possession to protect the loan. I had much difficulty in getting Sir George to agree; indeed, he was determined to cable for you, and I was equally determined he should not."

"How did you prevent him?"

"I sent in my resignation, fortified by the fact that he didn't know exactly where you were, and he could not remember under what nom-de-guerre you travelled."

Stranleigh laughed.

"Clever Corbitt," he said, "and poor Sir George. Now I suppose you want me to go back again?"

"No. I've been using my head so far, and now, as you suggested, the time for the foot has come."

"Not against me, I hope?"

"Against Mr. Peter Mackeller. I made it my business to learn everything that could be learned regarding his bank. I was amazed to discover that his chief helper had been your lordship; that you had actually placed on deposit with him the sum of a hundred thousand pounds. It is a question I don't care to ask, but I should like to know if