Part 43 (1/2)

”May be; but that's our game, Harry. The other could not be managed without being missed; this, you see, is not in use.”

”Pradelle, it's madness.”

”Say Vic, dear boy.”

”Well, Vic, I say it's madness.”

”Nothing of the kind. It's making use of a little coin that you can get at easily. Why, hang it, old fellow, you talk as if I were asking you to steal the money.”

”Hus.h.!.+ Don't talk like that.”

”Well, you aggravate me so. Now, am I trying to serve you, or am I not?”

”To serve me, of course.”

”Yes, and you behave like a child.”

”I want to behave like an honourable man to my father's friend.”

”Oh, if you are going to preach I'm off.”

”I'm not going to preach.”

”Then do act like a man. Here is your opportunity. You know what the old chap said about the tide in the affairs of men?”

Harry nodded.

”Well, your tide is at its height. You are going to seize your opportunity, and then you can do as you like. Why you might turn the tables on Miss Madelaine.”

”If you don't want to quarrel just leave her name alone,” said Harry, with a bulldog-like growl.

”Oh, I'll never mention it again if you like. Now, then, once for all, is it business?”

Harry was silent for a few minutes, and then replied--

”Yes.”

”Your hand on it.”

Harry stretched out his hand unwillingly, and it was taken and held.

”I shall hold you to it now, my lad. Now, then, when is it to be?”

”Oh, first opportunity.”

”No: it's going to be now--to-night--as soon as it's dark.”

”Nonsense, it must be some day--when Crampton is not there.”

”That means it will not be done at all, for Crampton never leaves; you told me so. Look here, Harry Vine, if you borrow the amount then, and it's missed, of course you are asked directly, and there you are. No, my lad, you'll have to go to-night.”