"As sure as one can be of anything in this world. The Hillside lode is rich, but this——"
"No, no," Sir John interrupted eagerly. "You don't mean to say that it is richer than your mine?"
"I shall be greatly surprised if—if——" Then he paused suddenly.
"Go on, go on," cried Sir John excitedly. "This bit of news is like new life to me. Think of it. I shall be able to shake off those Jewish sharks and hold up my head once more."
"I don't think it is at all necessary that you should hold your head any higher," Ralph replied deliberately and meaningly. "You think far too much of yourself already. Now I will say good-afternoon for the second time."
"You mean that you will tell me nothing more?"
"Why should I? If your justice had been equal to your greed, I might have been disposed to help you; but I feel no such disposition at present."
"You want to bargain with me?" Sir John cried angrily.
"Indeed, no. What I came about is too sacred a matter for bargaining." And, slipping quickly past Sir John, he hurried down the stairs and into the street.
The squire stared after him for several minutes, then went back into the room and fetched his hat, and was soon following.