He went up stairs and into a large parlor on the second story, which looked into the street. He motioned Philips to a chair near the window, and seated himself in an arm-chair opposite. Smithers looked at the other with a searching glance, and said nothing for some time. His large, full eyes, as they fixed themselves on the face of the other, seemed to read his inmost thoughts and study every part of his weak and irresolute character. At length he said, abruptly, in a slow, measured voice, “Edgar Lawton!” At the sound of this name Philips started from his chair, and stood on his feet trembling. His face, always pale, now became ashen, his lips turned white, his jaw fell, his eyes seemed to start from their sockets. He stood for a few seconds, then sank back into a chair. Smithers eyed him steadfastly. “You see I know you,” said he, after a time. Philips cast on him an imploring look. “The fact that I know your name,” continued Smithers, “shows also that I must know something of your history. Do not forget that!” “My--my history?” faltered Philips. “Yes, your history. I know it all, wretched man! I knew your father whom you ruined, and whose heart you broke.” Philips said not a word, but again turned an imploring face to this man. “I have brought you here to let you know that there is one who holds you in his power, and that one is myself. You think Potts or Clark have you at their mercy. Not so. I alone hold your fate in my hands. They dare not do any thing against you for fear of their own necks.” [Illustration: “AT THE SOUND OF THIS NAME PHILIPS STARTED FROM HIS CHAIR, AND STOOD ON HIS FEET TREMBLING.”] Philips looked up now in wonder, which was greater than his fear. “Why,” he faltered, “you are Potts’s friend. You got him to start the bank, and you have advanced him money.” “You are the cashier,” said Smithers, calmly. “Can you tell me how much the Brandon Bank owes Smithers & Co?” Philips looked at the other and hesitated. “Speak!” “Two hundred and eighty-nine thousand pounds.” “And if Smithers & Co. chose to demand payment to-morrow, do you think the Brandon Bank would be prompt about it?” Philips shook his head. “Then you see that the man whom you fear is not so powerful as some others.” “I thought you were his friend?” “Do you know who I am?” “Smithers & Co.,” said Philips, wearily. “Well, let me tell you the plans of Smithers & Co. are beyond your comprehension. Whether they are friends to Potts or not, it seems that they are his creditors to an amount which it would be difficult for him to pay if they chose to demand it.” Philips looked up. He caught sight of the eyes of Smithers, which blazed like two dark, fiery orbs as they were fastened upon him. He shuddered. “I merely wished to show you the weakness of the man whom you fear. Shall I tell you something else?” Philips looked up fearfully.