"On the contrary I am having my first gleam of reason," he said briefly.
"Of course you know best, Jack," acquiesced Langham after a moment's silence.
"You'll do what I ask of you, Marsh?"
"Oh, hang it, yes." He hesitated for an instant and then said 'frankly. "You know I'm rather in your debt; I don't suppose five hundred dollars would square what I have had from you first and last."
"I hope you won't mention it! Whenever it is quite convenient, that will be soon enough."
"Thank you, Jack!" said Langham gratefully. "The fact is the pickings here are pretty small."
Again the lawyer mopped his brow and again North moved impatiently.
"Don't say another word about it, Marsh," he repeated. "McBride has agreed to take the last of my gas bonds off my hands; that will get me away from here."
"How many have you left?" asked Langham curiously.
"Ten," said North.