Close behind them came Lion, trotting along with his tail in the air, and his nose in close contact with the pavement.
Something in the appearance of Gertie and the dog struck Egerton, and suddenly he remembered he had seen them pass his house once before, when he had no idea how closely they were connected with his career.
The last time he saw them go by was when he was planning out his brilliant future.
It was more than a coincidence that on the very day when the first part of his scheme had been frustrated by a despised rival, Gertie Heckett and her dog should once more come between him and the shadow-land that he was gazing into.
Marston’s threat had done its work. Mr. Gurth Egerton decided that for the present he would not intrude on the domestic circle of the Adrians. The next day his house was once more masterless.
But this time he was bound on no purposeless journey. He had a goal in view—a goal to reach which men and women have ere now sacrificed the best years of their life—a goal whose attainment is to some natures a glorious reward for superhuman effort and unexampled endurance.
That goal was revenge! Mr. Gurth Egerton had gone to America.
CHAPTER XLIII.
THE GREAT BLANKSHIRE BANK.
The news of the failure of the Great Blankshire Bank spread rapidly, and the terrible line on the contents bill of the evening papers had a dread significance for hundreds. To many a home it was the herald of ruin and despair.
The Great Blankshire Bank had been established for years, and was looked upon as a model of stability and sound finance.