Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/322

 "A good man? One who would not take advantage of a fellow creature in a crisis?"

"One of the best; a Viennese gentleman. I can give him no higher praise."

"Then, with your own hand write me a letter of introduction to him. I leave for Vienna to-night."

When this letter was presented Stranleigh rose, thanked the Count not only for the epistle, but for the reception accorded him, and the explanation so freely given. One would think, to listen to the young man, that the Ambassador had conferred on him a great obligation, instead of being the primary cause of a serious loss.

"I think," said his lordship, "that I understand the situation, and can deal with it, avoiding publicity of any sort. There is just one crucial point in any question, and in this case it is the securing legal possession of the property the company supposed itself buying. With such a man as you describe General Goetz to be, I am unlikely to meet any difficulty, therefore I hope you will not allow my visit to disturb you further."

The old man's emotions did not allow him to speak, but he wrung the hand of his visitor with thankfulness.

Lord Stranleigh took the nine o'clock train that