“Ah! In that case, Mr. Peterson, we will be delighted to accommodate you,” Hart warmly assured him. “No loan is too large for us to make on satisfactory collateral. Our capital is unlimited. We can refer you to——”
He broke off abruptly.
Stuart Floyd had entered and was hurriedly approaching.
“One moment, Hart!” he exclaimed, diving into his coat pocket and failing to recognize Nick. “Excuse yourself for one moment. Here is that package which——”
“Let me have it, instead,” Nick interrupted, thrusting Hart aside.
Floyd recoiled as if struck on the head.
“You!” he gasped involuntarily.
Nick whipped off his disguise.
“Yes,” he said sternly. “I may need it to prove my case—and your relations with the Imperial Loan Company. Let me have it.”
Floyd staggered and then uttered a cry and pulled himself together.