"
Tavernake was silent for a few moments.
"You haven't quarreled with your friend, have you?" the solicitor
asked.
"No, there has been no quarrel," Tavernake replied. "I have
another reason."
"If I were you, I'd try and forget it," his friend advised. "To
tell you the truth, I have been feeling rather anxious about this
affair. It's a big thing, you know, and the profit is as sure as
the dividend on Consols. I should hate to have that little
bounder Dowling get in and scoop it up."
"It's a fine investment," admitted Tavernake, "and, as you say,
there isn't the slightest risk. That's why I was hoping you
might have been able to manage it without my calling upon my
friend."
Mr. Martin shook his head.
"It isn't so easy to convince other people. All the same, I
don't want to get left. If you'll take my advice, you'll go and
call on your friend at once, and see exactly how matters stand.
If everything's O.K. and you can induce him to part a few hours
before it is absolutely necessary, I must confess that it would
take a load off my mind. I don't like these affairs that have to
be concluded at the last possible moment."
"Well," Tavernake agreed, "I must try what I can do, then. There
is nothing else fresh, I suppose?"
"Nothing," the solicitor answered. "Come back, if you can make
any definite arrangement, or telephone. The matter is really
bothering me a little. I don't want to have the other people
slip in now.
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