Jones did not want in the least to go in and see Collins, but he was burning to know what this dreadful thing was that had happened. He half dreaded that it had to do with Rochester's suicide. He followed the party, and next moment found himself again in Collins' room, where the lawyer pointed out chairs to the ladies, closed the door, and came back to his desk table where he seated himself. "Oh, Mr. Collins," said the elderly lady, "such a dreadful thing has happened--coal--they have found coal." She collapsed. The old gentleman with the cleft chin took up the matter. "This idiot," said he, indicating Jones, "has sold a coal mine, worth maybe a million, for five thousand. The Glanafwyn property has turned up coal. I only heard of it last night, and by accident. Struthers said to me straight out in the club, 'Do you know that bit of land in Glamorgan, Rochester sold to Marcus Mulhausen?' Yes, I said. 'Well,' said he, 'it's not land, it's the top of the biggest coal mine in Wales, steam coal, and Mulhausen is going to work it himself. He was offered two hundred and fifty thousand for the land last week, they have been boring there for the last half year,' that's what he told me, and I verified it this morning. Of course Mulhausen spotted the land for what it was worth, and laid his trap for this fool." Jones restrained his emotions with an effort, not knowing in the least his relationship to the violent one. Mr. Collins made it clear. "Your nephew has evidently fallen into a trap, your Grace," said he. Then turning to Jones: "I warned you not to sell that land--Heaven knows I knew little enough of the district and less of its mineral worth; still, I was adverse from parting with land--always am--and especially to such a sharp customer as Mulhausen. I told you to have an expert opinion. I had not minerals in my mind. I thought, possibly, it might be some railway extension in prospect--and it was your last bit of property without mortgage on it. Yes, I told you not to do it, and it's done." "Oh, Arthur," sighed the elderly woman. "Your last bit of land--and to think it should go like that. I never dreamed I should have to say those words to my son." Then stiffening and turning to Collins. "But I did not come to complain, I came to see if justice cannot be done. This is robbery. That terrible man with the German name has robbed Arthur. It is quite plain. What can be done?" "Absolutely nothing," replied Collins. "Nothing?" "Your ladyship must believe me when I say nothing can be done. What ground can we have for moving? The sale was perfectly open and above board. Mulhausen made no false statement--I am right in saying that, am I not?" turning to Jones. Jones had to nod. "And that being the case we are helpless."