“I do it now.”

“Then he is a nice gentleman still, is he?”

“He is, sir.”

Claude flushed.

“I am the accuser,” and the face of the millionaire grew white. “I call him a rascal.”

“Upon what grounds?”

“He tried to blackmail me.”

“Mr. Richmond?”

“Yes, sir. That man came here but a few days ago and wanted to rob me of ten thousand dollars.”

“Impossible!” cried Claude, feigning astonishment.