"Example is better than precept," said his companion, drawing the handsome gold presentation-watch from his pocket, and winding it in turn. "Don't you ever feel afraid of being robbed of that watch, Mr Harrington?" said the old lawyer. "It must have cost a hundred." "The sum exactly with the nugget chain," said the young man sharply. "No, I never feel afraid of being robbed. I could afford it, though, if I were." "Yes, yes; of course--of course." "Come into the study. I want a chat with you." "About more money," muttered the lawyer, as he followed the young man down the passage to the library-like room opening upon the garden. Here the first thing the host did was to open the window, look out for a few moments at the soft dark night, and then draw to and fasten the outer shutters, after which he closed the window. "You know what I want, of course," he said shortly. "Yes, sir; I presume it is money." "Well, it's my money, isn't it?" "Yes, yes; of course; but if you would allow me--" "I don't allow you," was the sharp reply. "I want three thousand pounds within a week. You understand--within a week." "Consols are very low just now, Mr Harrington; would it not be advisable to wait till they go up?" "No, sir, it would not. You understand; I want that money within a week, and the day I am married, fifteen days from this, I shall require another thousand." "Certainly, Mr Harrington," said the old lawyer. "You have nothing more to say to me to-night?" "No, sir, nothing. That's an end to business. Now we can be sociable and friendly. Will you have a little whiskey and a cigar?" "No, sir, thanks. I had a busy day in town and shall be glad to get to bed. Good-night." "Good-night, Mr Hampton, and I suppose you will not be sorry when our relations are always of a business character." "For some reasons, no, Mr George Harrington--for some reasons, yes," said the old lawyer. "Good-night." He left the study and began to ascend the stairs, but for some reason went down again and entered the dining-room, and in the dim light given by the turned-down lamp, the portrait of his own client seemed to be gazing down at him searchingly. With a half shiver he went back, and again began to ascend, to feel the cool night air blowing in upon him from the open staircase window. This he closed, but did not fasten, the clasp being too high, and the window far above the ground. "I shall be glad when I am back home," he muttered. "What can he do with all this money? I should like to know. Who's that?" He started and exclaimed aloud, for he had heard a rustling sound. "Only me, sir. I was coming down to close that window." "You startled me, Denton, going about like a ghost. Good-night." "Good-night, sir." Then first one door closed, then another, and one door opened, that of the study, from which the occupant's face appeared for a few moments with an intent listening air upon the stern features.