"Perhaps so, but I'm not sanguine of it."
"With your powerful help nothing is impossible--not even that."
"You must not count upon that," said Stephen Ray, stiffly. "It is a good while since we parted company. I don't myself care to renew the acquaintance."
"But I do," rejoined Bolton with emphasis. "I told you that I had business with you."
"I have very little time at my disposal," said Ray, pulling out an elegant gold watch--a Jurgensen--and consulting it.
"I think it may be well for you to spare me a little time," went on Bolton, quietly.
There was something in his tone that sounded like a threat, and Stephen Ray could not wholly conceal his uneasiness.
"Well," he said, "I will give you ten minutes. Get through your business, whatever it is, as soon as possible."
"Hadn't you better send your son away?" suggested Bolton, significantly.
"Why should I?"