"I've an enemy somewhere among the fallen," Bivens went on musingly, "who is dying hard. With his last gasp he is trying still to reach my heart. In spite of the fact that I have unlimited resources, this man is constantly circulating reports about the soundness of my finances. He uses the telephone principally and he has started two runs on my bank within the past month. Another is pending. I'm going to ask Jim to preside over an investigation of my resources in the presence of a dozen newspaper reporters." Nan stooped and kissed him. CHAPTER XI THE LAMP OF ALADDIN When Stuart reached Bivens's new offices in Wall Street he was amazed at their size and magnificence. The first impression was one of dazzling splendour. The huge reception hall was trimmed from floor to dome in onyx and gold. The draperies were a deep scarlet, with massive furniture and oriental rugs to match. A fountain with concealed electric lights adorned the centre. Stuart nodded to a group of reporters waiting for the chance of a word with the great man. A reporter ventured to give him some information. "I'm afraid you're too late, not a chance to see him; look at 'em waiting." He waved around the room at the crowd lounging about or gazing at the paintings. "Looks like a full house, doesn't it?" Stuart answered casually. "They've been here for hours. There's a senator of the United States, three members of the House of Representatives, the Ambassador of a European court, the Governor of a Chinese province, a Japanese Prince and a dozen big politicians from as many states, to say nothing of the small fry." "Well, I have an appointment with Mr. Bivens at this hour." "Really!" the reporter gasped. "Then for heaven's sake give me a chance at you five minutes before the other fellows. Remember now, I saw you first!" He was still pleading when Stuart smilingly drew away and followed one of Bivens's secretaries. He passed rapidly through a labyrinth of outer offices, each entrance guarded by a detective who eyed him with keen scrutiny as he passed. Bivens came forward to greet him with outstretched hands. "I needn't say I'm glad to see you, Jim. How do you like my new quarters?" "Absolutely stunning. I had no idea you cultivated such ceremonial splendours in your business." "Yes, I like it," the financier admitted thoughtfully. "I don't mind confessing to you on the sly that it was Nan's idea, at first, but I took to it like a duck to water. And the more I see of it the better I like it." Bivens stood warming himself before a cheerful blaze of logs while he spoke and Stuart had quietly taken a seat and watched him with growing interest. In spite of his contempt for the mere possession of money, in spite of his traditional contempt for Bivens's antecedents, character and business methods he found himself unconsciously paying homage to the power the little dark swarthy figure to-day incarnated.