"Come right out and be frank about it," he said, with a touch of anger. "Are you afraid your investment in this bank is not a safe one?" Saunders looked steadily at him. "That certainly is not a businesslike question, Mostyn, and you know it." "Perhaps it isn't, but what does it matter?" Mostyn retorted. "At any rate, that is a shrewd evasion of the point. Well, do you want to sell _me_ your stock?" "I would naturally give you the preference, and that is why I am mentioning it to you." Mostyn sat frowning morbidly. There was a visible droop to his shoulders. "There is no use having hard feelings over it," he said, dejectedly. "You have a right to do as you please with your interests. But the truth is, I am not financially able to take over as big a block of stock as you hold." Saunders hesitated for a moment, then began: "I was wondering if Mr. Mitchell--" "Leave him out of consideration, for God's sake," Mostyn broke in. "He has grown horribly suspicious of me. He would have a regular spasm if you tried to sell to him. He would be sure we are on the brink of failure, and talk all over town. Don't mention it to him." "And you say you are not in a position to--" "No; many things have gone against me recently, but that needn't bother you. You can find a buyer." "I have already found one, and the offer is satisfactory." Saunders glued his glance to the rug at his feet. "In fact, I have been approached more than once, Delbridge wants to buy me out." "Delbridge!" Mostyn started. His lips parted and his teeth showed in a cold grimace. "Ah, I see his game!" "I don't understand," Saunders said, wonderingly. "Well, I do, if you don't. I suspected something was in the wind last month when he took over Cartwright's stock at such a good figure. Do you know if he gets your stock that he will hold a larger interest than mine?" "I hadn't thought of it." "I see his plan plainly. He wants to be the president of this bank, and he can elect himself if he buys you out. He has always wanted exactly this sort of thing to back up his various schemes. You must give me a little while to think it over, Saunders. I don't like to give in to him. He has always fought me, you know, and this would be a feather in his cap. Perhaps I can induce some one else to make the investment." "Take all the time you want," Saunders answered. "I want you to be satisfied." "Well, I'll let you know to-day, or to-morrow, at furthest," Mostyn said, wearily. "If I can't make some arrangement I'll have to give in, that's all. My affairs are getting pretty badly tangled, but I'll come out all right."