Ten minutes later, still in disguise, he entered the quarters of the Imperial Loan Company--not more than an hour after his visit with Lord Waldmere. The first person he caught sight of was Moses Hart, and he saw at once that Stuart Floyd had not yet arrived. The assistant manager, nevertheless, appeared much more at ease than an hour ago. He was engaged in the latticed inclosure. He was smiling and humming a popular air. He saw Nick approach one of the windows and he turned to meet him. “Is Mr. Garland busy?” Nick blandly inquired, bowing and smiling. “Mr. Garland is absent just now,” Hart suavely rejoined. “H’m, is that so?” “I think he will return before noon,” Hart added. “Is there anything I can do for you?” “Are you the assistant manager?” “I am.” “Perhaps, then, you will do as well, though Mr. Garland was mentioned to me,” said Nick. “It’s about a loan I wish to negotiate on some valuable jewelry. The amount is considerable, and----” “Ah!” Hart breathed an expressive sigh, one of avaricious anticipation, and he then hastened to open a door leading into the inclosure. “Walk in, sir,” he said cordially. “Step into our private office. We then can discuss the matter without interruptions.” Nick was waiting only for an interruption. “Oh, I don’t think that will be necessary,” he demurred. “I can tell you briefly what I require.” “Very well.” Hart stepped out and joined him. “My name is Peterson,” Nick continued. “I have in my charge a quantity of valuable jewelry. It is part of the estate of a very wealthy widow. The estate has not been settled, owing to long litigation, and it has become necessary to raise quite a sum of cash with which to meet legal expenses.” “I follow you,” Hart nodded, anticipating an unusually profitable deal. “I may require ten thousand dollars, possibly more.” “What is the value of the jewelry?” “Fifty thousand, at least.” “Ah! In that case, Mr. Peterson, we will be delighted to accommodate you,” Hart warmly assured him. “No loan is too large for us to make on satisfactory collateral. Our capital is unlimited. We can refer you to----” He broke off abruptly. Stuart Floyd had entered and was hurriedly approaching. “One moment, Hart!” he exclaimed, diving into his coat pocket and failing to recognize Nick. “Excuse yourself for one moment. Here is that package which----” “Let me have it, instead,” Nick interrupted, thrusting Hart aside. Floyd recoiled as if struck on the head. “You!” he gasped involuntarily. Nick whipped off his disguise. “Yes,” he said sternly. “I may need it to prove my case--and your relations with the Imperial Loan Company. Let me have it.” Floyd staggered and then uttered a cry and pulled himself together. “Not by a long shot!” he shouted. “Get rid of this, Hart, before he can learn what it----”