They drove to an office in a quiet court in the city, and there Comethup was left in an outer room, where a solitary clerk was busily writing, while Mr. Robert Carlaw had a private interview with the accommodating gentleman who was so willing to lift other people's troubles away from them. "It will be best for me just to--to pave the way, as it were," he had said when they reached the place. That necessary formality over, Comethup was shown in, and found a bland and smiling gentleman, of a somewhat pronounced type of features, anxious to shake him at once with much fervour by the hand. His uncle had, it appeared, with that consideration which characterized him, put the whole matter so fairly and clearly before this gentleman that the money was at Comethup's instant disposal; indeed, it seemed such an ordinary and simple piece of business that Comethup's mind was considerably lightened. There were papers to be signed, and it appeared that Mr. Robert Carlaw had suggested, in order to avoid troubling his dear nephew again, that the loan should be for a thousand pounds. The rate of interest, as he had said, was extremely high, but then the circumstances were peculiar; and in order that there might be no misunderstanding the interest for one year was deducted from the amount of the cheque, so that the cheque itself was very, very far short of the sum which had been named. However, the thing was rapidly concluded, and uncle and nephew were ushered out of the office. When once the money had been placed in Mr. Robert Carlaw's hands Comethup laid a detaining hand on his shoulder. "Look here, you know," he said, with some sternness, "let us have no nonsense about this matter. I am sorry to refer to it, but on a former occasion--in Rome, you remember--when I put money into your hands it never reached its destination." "My dear sir," said Mr. Carlaw, bridling, "do you imagine----" "I imagine nothing," replied Comethup quietly; "I am merely speaking of what occurred. This is a different matter, and I think--yes, I'm quite sure--that I'd better go home with you." Mr. Robert Carlaw shrugged his shoulders, but submitted to being thrust into a hansom with Comethup close at his elbow. At the corner of the street in which Brian lived the cab was dismissed, and they walked down the street together. Some fifty yards from the house Comethup stopped and nodded to his uncle to go on alone. That gentleman shook hands with him effusively, and went on and ran up the steps leading to the door, with a brisk air; waved a hand to his nephew, and disappeared. Comethup waited about for some time and finally went home.