"Certainly. I intend to use it as one of my experimental laboratories for the study of a mammal, known as the Mus Norvegicus, called, in common English, the brown rat. He is supposed to have originated from the Mus Humiliatus of Central Asia. Now will you gentlemen take the half million?"
"We will!" exclaimed Perkins. "Then may I ask your name?"
"Winifred Willowby."
"Not the one who is reputed to own more United States bonds than any other man in America?" gasped Richard Moyer.
"I won't admit that I do, but I am the man you are thinking about."
"Then I simply cannot understand why you want to mix up in this rat business."
"Simple enough. I am a hundred per cent American. For five generations my people have been born and buried in this city. I own over two hundred million dollars worth of land here. When the dregs of Europe come over to my city and use the rats of Asia to bleed that city white, then I personally protest. I am going to start something. I am not sure what, but when I finish, this city will be practically rat empty and gangster free."
"A large programme, Mr. Willowby," whispered Perkins.
"But I am a large man. Now, suppose I write you gentlemen a check?"
Five minutes later the two partners were alone. Moyer looked at the check, then put it in his pocket, and his hat on his head.