"What is the date of the last communication from Lyon?" asked Markland.
"He wrote on the tenth."
"Of last month?"
"Yes."
"And the—Government threatened to enter upon and seize our property on the first of the present month?"
"True—true; and the worst may have already happened," said Fenwick. "Still, an agent must go out, and vigorous efforts be made to save our property."
"It will scarcely be worth saving, if in the condition represented, and all our funds dissipated."
Fenwick sighed. There was something in that sigh, as it reached the ears of Markland, which seemed like a mockery of trouble. He raised his glance quickly to the agent's face, and searched it over with the sharp eye of suspicion. Fenwick bore this scrutiny without the faltering of a muscle. If he comprehended its meaning, his consciousness thereof was in no way revealed.
"The Board will meet here at six o'clock this evening," said he, quietly. "In the mean time, you had better digest the information we have, and come prepared to aid us with your better judgment. The crisis is one that demands calm, earnest thought and decisive action."
"I will be here," replied Markland, rising. Then, with a formal bow, he left the agent's office.