"Knowing the man from whom information comes, I am led to fear the worst. Still, there may have been some mistake--some misapprehension on his part." "The meeting takes place at six o'clock?" said Markland, after remaining a short time silent. "Yes." "Will you propose any thing?" "I wish, first, to hear the views of others. Prompt action of some kind is certainly required." "If Lyon be actually the villain he now seems, he will put himself entirely beyond our reach on the first intimation of danger," said Markland. "So I have reasoned. Our only hope, therefore, is to get possession of his person. But how is this to be accomplished?" "Give immediate notice to the--Government, that he is in possession of the funds due them by the Company, and they will not fail to secure his person," said Markland. "A good suggestion," replied Fenwick. And he sat in a thoughtful attitude for some moments. "Yes, that is a good suggestion," he repeated. "We must send a shrewd, confidential agent at once to L--, and give information of the exact position of affairs." "What is the date of the last communication from Lyon?" asked Markland. "He wrote on the tenth." "Of last month?" "Yes." "And the--Government threatened to enter upon and seize our property on the first of the present month?" "True--true; and the worst may have already happened," said Fenwick. "Still, an agent must go out, and vigorous efforts be made to save our property." "It will scarcely be worth saving, if in the condition represented, and all our funds dissipated." Fenwick sighed. There was something in that sigh, as it reached the ears of Markland, which seemed like a mockery of trouble. He raised his glance quickly to the agent's face, and searched it over with the sharp eye of suspicion. Fenwick bore this scrutiny without the faltering of a muscle. If he comprehended its meaning, his consciousness thereof was in no way revealed. "The Board will meet here at six o'clock this evening," said he, quietly. "In the mean time, you had better digest the information we have, and come prepared to aid us with your better judgment. The crisis is one that demands calm, earnest thought and decisive action." "I will be here," replied Markland, rising. Then, with a formal bow, he left the agent's office. CHAPTER XXXIII.