"I agree with you," said the earnest Mr. de Vinne. "Now the point is," said Bones, "I've been studying that list of yours, and it seems to me that the majority of the two hundred and fifty thousand shares issued are either held by you or by one of the Poles--jolly old Joe or jolly old Fred, I don't know which." "Jolly old Fred," said Mr. de Vinne gravely. "Now, if there's one person I don't want to meet to-night, or to-morrow, or any other day," said Bones, "it's Pole." "There's no need for you to meet him," smiled de Vinne. "In fact," said Bones, with sudden ferocity, "I absolutely refuse to buy any shares from Fred. I'll buy yours, but I will not buy a single one from Fred." Mr. De Vinne thought rapidly. "There's really no reason," he said carelessly. "As a matter of fact, I took over Fred's shares to-night, or the majority of them. I can let you have--let me see"--he made a rapid calculation--"I can let you have a hundred and eighty thousand shares at nineteen and nine." "Eighteen shillings," said Bones firmly, "and not a penny more." They wrangled about the price for five minutes, and then, in an outburst of generosity, Mr. de Vinne agreed. "Eighteen shillings it shall be. You're a hard devil," he said. "Now, shall we settle this in the morning?" "Settle it now," said Bones. "I've a contract note and a cheque book." De Vinne thought a moment. "Why, sure!" he said. "Let's have your note." Bones took a note from his pocket, unfolded it, and laid it on the table, then solemnly seated himself at Mr. de Vinne's desk and wrote out the cheque. His good fortune was more than Mr. de Vinne could believe. He had expected Bones to be easy, but not so easy as this. "Good-bye," said Bones. He was solemn, even funereal. "And, my friend," thought Mr. de Vinne, "you'll be even more solemn before the month's out." He saw Bones to the door, slapped him on the back, insisted on his taking another cigar, and stood outside on the pavement of Cadogan Square and watched the rear lights of Bones's car pass out of sight. Then he went back to his study telephone and gave a number. It was the number of Mr. Fred Pole's house, and Fred Pole himself answered the call. "Is that you, Pole?" "That's me," said the other, and there was joy in his voice. "I say, Pole," chuckled de Vinne, "I shall save you a lot of trouble." "What do you mean?" asked the other. "I've sold Bones my shares and yours too." There was a deep silence. "Did you hear me?" asked de Vinne. "Yes, I heard you," said the voice, so strange that de Vinne scarcely recognised it. "How many did you sell?" asked Pole. "A hundred and eighty thousand. I thought I could easily fix it with you." Another silence. "What did Bones say to you?" "He told me he wouldn't do any more business with you." "Good Heavens!" groaned Pole, and added, "Gracious Heavens!" "Why, what's the matter?" asked de Vinne quickly, scenting danger.