“Does he not? I wish I could think it of no consequence,” replied Mr. Stewart. “Now, Douglas, are you ready?” and he again bustled out, and seated himself in the hansom which had waited for them.
“Mr. Croft!” it was Arthur, who, following the younger man out, spoke now in a lowered tone of voice, “do you think this will affect the Company?”
“There is no telling,” the other answered; “only, if you have many shares, take my advice and get rid of them—quietly, you know, quietly.”
“What was Dudley saying to you?” Mr. Stewart inquired as they drove off in the direction of the City.
“Asking me how this would affect the Protector, and I advised him to sell his shares.”
“He has not a share beyond those Black gave him. A couple of hundred, paid up.”
“Then, what has he done with all the money for which Berrie Down is mortgaged and to be mortgaged?”
“God knows! given it to Black, most probably.”
“Then he is virtually a ruined man.”
“Time will show,” answered Mr. Stewart, philosophically. “I do not think he will get much back from Black, at all events.”