Mr. Sims was only two minutes late. In answer to my brisk "come in, and shut the door behind you!" he entered silently, but as he turned the corner of the screen and caught sight of my bearded face, he uttered an unpremeditated little nervous laugh. "Just such a laugh any man might involuntarily utter, who had been wishing, but not expecting, the improbable to happen!" thought I. His laugh, translated into words, said this--"I never really believed you could be Stelfox Steele, Mr. Agar Hume, in spite of what your wily secretary tried to hint!" I stood up, and glared at him through my goggles. "Mr. Sims?" I demanded. He bowed, measuring me with a sweeping hawk-sharp glance. "Shake!" I said, of a sudden, after a full minute's silence, and briskly extended my hand. He responded somewhat slowly and doubtfully to my invitation. But I tore off my goggles, and looking him straight and keenly in the eyes, seized his hand. I squeezed it with all my strength, then pointed to a chair. He obeyed with a wince, wringing his hand the while. "Really, Mr. Hume," he began, with a deprecating frown, "I am at a loss----" "One second!" I interrupted, and deftly removed my beard. He gave me one quick astonished look, then sprang to his feet, his eyes alight, his face flushing with excitement. "Is it possible?" he cried. "You know me," I demanded. "Why sir, of course!" "But we have never met!" I cried, frowning blackly. "No, sir, no," he responded, hastily. "But Mr. Stelfox Steele's face is as familiar to the public as that of Mr. Chamberlain. I am glad to meet you, sir." I nodded and sat down. "Pray resume your seat, Mr. Sims." He obeyed. I leaned across the table and beckoned with my hand. Next moment our heads were almost touching. "You are wondering," said I. "Yes," he answered frankly. "I am supposed to be on my way to New York," I went on, in very low tones. "I am being impersonated on the steamer by one of my clerks, who will keep his cabin all the way. Before he arrives at the other side--all will be over. I have taken every precaution against failure. I cannot, shall not fail, Mr. Sims, unless you fail me." "Some big coup on exchange, I presume?" he muttered, "and a lone hand, too--eh?" "Exactly! But you are still wondering--speak!" He bit his lips. "It--is the honour you have paid me--me!" he stammered. "Messrs. Max and Humphreys are your brokers, I believe." "And I have no fault to find with them," I answered quickly, "except that Sampson May, Vanderwill, and most of my other associates also deal with them. You understand?" "Ah!" he cried, "I see! You'll be wanting me to bear stocks, eh, Mr. Steele?" I smiled in commendation of his shrewdness. "Well, Mr. Sims," I muttered, "may I depend on you?" "Most certainly. I am deeply----" I waved my hand. "Money talks," I interrupted drily. "I require no assurances. Serve me well, and I'll make your fortune. Fail me, and by the God above us, I'll break you, Mr. Sims. Those are my terms."