Bertie glanced at the envelope and tore it open. It was stamped with the Lackland crest. It contained a short note, which Bertie had no sooner read than he turned as pale as the paper and staggered back into his chair like a man mortally wounded.
Before we glance over his shoulder and ascertain the contents of the letter which had so affected him let us return to Mr. Howard Murpoint and Mr. Wilhelm Smythe as they stand on the doorstep of Lackland House.
When the servant opened the door Mr. Murpoint inquired for Lord Lackland, and was soon, accompanied by his friend, Mr. Wilhelm Smythe, ushered into the earl's presence.
When they entered the room Howard Murpoint introduced Mr. Smythe to the earl and then proceeded to business.
He said that Mr. Smythe had been anxious to see the earl, as one of the directors of a certain mining company, to ask a few questions.
The earl admitted that he was on the board of directors and answered the questions, or rather the captain answered them for him.
Then Mr. Smythe announced his intention of becoming a director, and incidentally mentioned that he would, if there was any occasion for it, purchase the mine.
This made the earl stare, as the captain had intended that it should; and when Mr. Smythe rose to take his leave, Lackland's adieu was a great deal more cordial than his greeting.
When the rich Mr. Smythe had gone the captain eyed his dupe warily.