“You mean,” said Lannigan, “that you would peach on me?” “If you go back on your word and your bargain, there is no reason why we should have any friendship for you. This game isn’t all your own.” There was a moment’s pause in the conversation, and then Lannigan said, in a most threatening tone: “There are sharp knives and straight-shooting revolvers, and all the undertakers are not dead.” “So,” replied Elwell, “you are threatening to add murder to your list.” “No,” replied Lannigan; “I am only telling you that you can’t fool me. That’s all.” There was a movement and sound as if somebody had thrust back a chair and risen to his feet. “But what’s the use of talking?” said Lannigan. “You got my say. If you want them papers what’s into that leather case you can get them for fifty thou. I’ll give you until to-morrow, this hour, to think it over, and if you don’t come down I’ll make the best deal I can with the man I took them from, and I know how to do it.” There was the sound of a step or two and Seaman’s voice was heard. “Wait a moment, Lannigan,” it said, “I want just a word.” There was silence some four or five minutes, when Seaman was heard again: “Lannigan,” he said, “we’ll make you a new offer. We haven’t got the money you demand. It’s a big sum. But I stand ready to make this deal with you now, if you’ll take it. If you will deliver those drawings and the model to me this afternoon, I’ll give you five thousand dollars in cash and my promise in writing, well indorsed, to give you fifty thousand dollars when this thing is sold to the company that stands ready to buy and manufacture.” There was no reply to this for a moment or two, and Seaman added: “It’s the best I can do, and in giving you five thousand I give you every cent I have. I can’t make the sale, which is all ready to make for big money, unless I’ve got these things in my hands. And that’s all there is about it. If you don’t take this offer we’ve got to throw up our hands and we won’t owe you a cent.” There was silence following this, which lasted a long time, and it seemed to Nick that Lannigan and his companion must have been consulting over this last offer. Finally there was a step or two heard and then Lannigan’s voice, saying: “Is that five thou. to be laid down to-day?” “On the delivery of that leather case with all that’s in it.” “How soon can you do it?” asked Lannigan. “As soon as you can deliver the goods.” “That’s now.” “And I have the funds with me now.” “Well, then, if you close up the first part of the bargain right away, we’ll do it.” Everybody apparently rose from their feet, and amid the scuffle and movement was heard Seaman’s voice: “Let’s get about it at once.” “Come with me, then,” said Lannigan. “Where to?” asked Elwell. “You will know when you get there,” replied Lannigan, gruffly. Nick slipped off the ice box and regained the floor of the little washroom quickly.