"I have a little special information on that point," I said. And I described the multiform purposes of the Council of Nine as they had appeared from my investigations.
"How do you know all this?" came from several of the assembled magnates.
Wharton Kendrick took the reply out of my mouth.
"He has practically direct communication with the conspirators," he said. "I think we shall all agree that it is best not to mention names."
"Well, this certainly makes it a horse of another color," said Partridge. "In the light of Mr. Hampden's information I withdraw my objections to the plan proposed by Mr. Kendrick."
Wharton Kendrick heaved a scarcely perceptible sigh, and whispered to me, "That settles it; Partridge represents the Golconda Bank, and the rest will follow his lead."
"That is right," said another. "Let us take no chances." And with a few similar expressions the company appeared to have come to a unanimous agreement.
"Then," said Wharton Kendrick, turning to Partridge, "I'll put you down for--"
"For five hundred thousand," replied Partridge.
"Make it a million," said Kendrick. "Nelson here is going to stand responsible for five hundred thousand, and your people should stand for more."