Garston carelessly knocked the ash off his cigar, as he coolly said: “There is a large amount of Western property, a very large one, in which that child has an interest, an interest moreover of which she knows nothing. That is my real business with the girl, whose life story I alone know—save the mother who has adroitly hidden her so long. You see her presence would have embarrassed the social queen!” “Who was her father?” flatly demanded Vreeland. The Senator’s eyes hardened. “That is nobody’s business but mine. It does not enter into our affair. And the property interests demand my present silence.” Vreeland shrugged his shoulders, and smiling, calmly said: “You wish me, then, to play my part openly for you, while I am kept in the dark?” And Garston steadily replied: “What matters it to you, if you are well paid?” His voice was steady, but there was a wolfish anxiety in his eyes. “My professional secrets could not aid you.” “My price will be a high one, and cash down or secured. Either cash or stocks. Sugar stocks will do,” meaningly replied Vreeland. “Damn it, don’t haggle!” cried Garston. “Tell me simply what you want.” Vreeland calmly pushed over a piece of paper on which he had written six figures. “I want that, and then, I will marry Katharine Norreys on your pledge of honor that you give to her an equal amount as dowry. You are then to direct the whole future game. Of course, there must be the usual preliminary society flurry over the engagement. I am now ready to go over to you, body and soul. What do you say? I serve you to the death, then.” “And I am to own you, out and out. You are to keep near her and to work my will,” demanded Garston. His voice was strangely eager, for his struggling heart would have its voice. “To the death,” answered Vreeland, “if you pay me first, and then stand by Katharine and myself. It will be a union of heart, hands and interest.” “I’ll do it on one sole condition,” replied Garston. “And that is?” eagerly said Vreeland. “That you clearly understand that your life would be the forfeit of any treachery. I must reach that girl. I am playing a game to the bitter end. And you do not know what a foe that sleek woman can be.” “All right,” said the young man, extending his hand. “The future will show you what I am. We must take the risks together.” “I will give you half in cash, the balance in stocks, and I’ll hand the check for the cash over now,” said Garston, as he laid his revolver on the table. “Now, sir, let me see that girl’s picture. Tell me where she is, and I’ll sign the check.” His eyes were wolfish as Vreeland silently handed him the photograph of the girl who had never known a father’s love. The young man began his cool recital: