“I see; so that you and I together have control, instead of Boscombe?”
“Yes.”
“That shall be done as quick as telegraph can give instructions. What next?”
“There will be required a large sum of money to liquidate the claims upon me incurred through the building of the city.”
“Very good. That money shall be at your disposal within two or three days.”
“As for security, I regret——”
“Don’t mention it. My security is my great faith in Ned Trenton, also in yourself. Say no more about it.”
“You are very kind, Lord Stranleigh, but there is one thing I must say. This may involve you in a law-suit so serious that the litigation of which Ned complains will appear a mere amicable arrangement by comparison.”
“That’s all right and doesn’t disturb me in the least. I love a legal contest, because I have nothing to do but place it in the hands of competent lawyers. No personal activity is required of me, and I am an indolent man.”
The second part of the programme was accomplished even sooner than Stranleigh had promised, but the first part hung fire. The brokers in New York could not acquire any Powerville stock, as was shown by their application to Miss Maturin herself, neither had their efforts been executed with that secrecy which Stranleigh had enjoined. He realised this when John L. Boscombe called upon him. He went directly to the point.