“Mr. Markham knows more about my affairs than I do,” said I. “Don’t beat about the bush, Dawkins. I have no time to waste.” “Very well, sir. I beg your pardon. It concerns those bonds--the bonds you turned over to me in arranging the settlements.” “Yes. I remember. Great Lakes and Gulf bonds, were they not?” “Precisely, sir. You bound us to a stipulation that they were not to be converted for at least five years.” “That’s right,” said I. “In fact, I made it impossible for you to convert them.” A pained expression came into the face of Dawkins. “I believe I conceded everything else your client demanded,” pursued I. “But it now develops, sir,” said Dawkins, “that that was the only important thing.” “Really?” said I. “You have doubtless seen the papers these last few days--the stock market.” “Yes.... Yes--so the bonds _are_ dropping. That’s unfortunate.” “Dropping rapidly,” said Dawkins. “And there are rumors that Great Lakes and Gulf will soon be practically worthless.” “So I’ve read.” “I’ve come to ask you to release us. We wish to sell. We must sell. If we don’t the settlement on your son-in-law will be worthless.” I smiled agreeably. “As worthless as his promises to my daughter. As worthless as he is.” Dawkins was breathing heavily. His pious eyes were snapping with rage. He had prided himself on his astuteness. He had gloated over his shrewdness in outwitting Norman and me. And now he discovered that the boot was on the other leg. I had trapped him and put him and his client in my power. I leaned back comfortably and smiled. “Of course I know nothing about it, Dawkins, but I am willing to make a Yankee guess that the bonds will continue to drop until----” When my pause became unendurable, he said: “Yes, sir. Until when?” “Until I discover some signs of value in my son-in-law. Then he may discover some signs of value in the bonds. Our America is a peculiar country, Dawkins.” “Peculiar will do, sir,” said he with respectful insolence. “But I should have chosen another word.” I shook my head laughingly. “What bad losers you English are!” said I. “But--I’ll not detain you. Good morning, Dawkins.” “Then I am to understand, sir----” But I had my back squarely to him and was busy with Markham, who took his cue for the little comedy we were playing like the well-trained American business man that he was. Presently Markham said, “He’s gone, and I never saw a madder man get out of a room more awkwardly.”