Excerpt: ...in yourself. Say no more about it." "You are very kind, Lord Stranleigh, but there is one thing I must say. This may involve you in a law-suit so serious that the litigation of which Ned complains will appear a mere amicable arrangement by comparison." "That's all right and doesn't disturb me in the least. I love a legal contest, because I have Pg 158 nothing to do but place it in the hands of competent lawyers. No personal activity is required of me, and I am an indolent man." The second part of the programme was accomplished even sooner than Stranleigh had promised, but the first part hung fire. The brokers in New York could not acquire any Powerville stock, as was shown by their application to Miss Maturin herself, neither had their efforts been executed with that secrecy which Stranleigh had enjoined. He realised this when John L. Boscombe called upon him. He went directly to the point. "I am happy to meet you, Lord Stranleigh, and if you'll excuse me, I'd like to say that you are more greatly in need of advice at this moment than any man in America." "You are perfectly right, Mr. Boscombe. I am always in need of good advice, and I appreciate it." "An application was made to me from New York for a block of stock. That stock is not for sale, but I dallied with the brokers, made investigations, and traced the inquiry to you." "Very clever of you, Mr. Boscombe." Pg 159 "I learn that you propose to finance Miss Constance Maturin, who is a junior partner in my business." "I should not think of contradicting so shrewd a man as yourself, Mr. Boscombe. What do you advise in the premises?" "I advise you to get out, and quick, too." "If I don't, what are you going to do to me?" "Oh, I shall do nothing. She will do all that is necessary. That woman is stark mad, Lord Stranleigh. Her own father...