In saying this the burglar's eyes travelled involuntarily to the pile of papers on the desk. Sir John's did the same, and he sighed. "Well," he replied in an outburst of confidence that astonished himself, "I'm in a hole." "I thought as much," said the other. "I've been in a good many myself in my time, so perhaps I can help you to get out." The knight shook his head gloomily. "I don't think so. There's nothing for it but a bullet." "Great Scott!" exclaimed the burglar. He plunged his hand into his pocket, and produced the box of cigars. "Try one of these," he said, offering them to Sir John. "I can recommend 'em for big occasions." The merchant smiled sadly, but took the consolation offered. "You see," he explained, "it's my pay-day to-morrow. There's nine thousand pounds in cash wanted, and I've nothing towards it." "Beastly awkward," said the burglar sympathetically. "I know what it feels like. Tell 'em to call again." "I can't. If I don't pay I must file my petition." "File your banker!" exclaimed the other. "Don't you do anything rash. There's many a man lived to regret ever dreaming of insolvency. I suppose you've realised all your assets?" "Every one," said Sir John, "except things like these," and he pulled out the I.O.U.'s from the pile of papers. The burglar looked at them. "Well?" he said inquiringly. "You've had these three years. Why the blazes haven't you got your money?" "The Marquis of Chillingford hasn't got any money," replied the knight sorrowfully. "I know he hasn't to-day, but he had yesterday, and he may have to-morrow. Why, man, he scooped in a cool ten thou' when Tadpole won the Derby." "You don't say so!" exclaimed Sir John. "But I do. If you will lend money to lords, why the blazes don't you take in the sporting papers, and keep an eye on your friends? Tommy Chillingford is far too busy a man to remember these bits of paper, but I'm sure nothing would have pleased him more than to have paid you back your money if you'd suggested it at the time. He's had a run of confounded bad luck since then, but he'll bob up serenely one of these days, and you take my tip and get in that time. What else have you in this line?" The knight opened a drawer, and therefrom produced a bundle of promissory notes and dishonoured cheques. "What a philanthropist you've been in your day!" said the burglar admiringly, as he examined them. "I wish I'd known you earlier. Ah!" and he pulled out a draft. "What's wrong with this?" "That's another impecunious peer," said Sir John. "He proposed me for the Carlton," he added apologetically. "Then may I be impecunious," replied the burglar. "Dicky is a millionaire in South America." "I've not come across his name in that light," said the merchant dubiously. "He's changed it. Calls himself Thompson now. This thing is worth its face value, and that's two thousand pounds. Why, man, you must tender it at once for payment." For a moment the knight's face brightened.