attorney, after a little interval; 'and I could not advise the party you
named, Sir, to sell his remainder for a song.'

'You'll advise as you please, Sir, and no doubt not without sufficient
reason,' retorted Captain Lake.

There was a suspicion of a sneer--not in his countenance, not in his
tone, not necessarily in his words--but somehow a suspicion, which stung
the attorney like a certainty, and a pinkish flush tinged his forehead.

Perhaps Mr. Larkin had not yet formed any distinct plans, and was really
in considerable dubitation. But as we know, perceiving that the situation
of affairs, like all uncertain conjunctures, offered manifestly an
opportunity for speculation, he was, perhaps, desirous, like our old
friend, Sindbad, of that gleam of light which might show him the gold and
precious stones with which the floor of the catacomb was strewn.

'You see, Captain Lake, to speak quite frankly--there's nothing like
being perfectly frank and open--although you have not treated me with
confidence, which, of course, was not called for in this particular
instance--I may as well say, in passing, that I have no doubt on my mind
you know a great deal more than you care to tell about the fate of Mr.
Mark Wylder. I look upon it, Sir, that that party has been made away
with.'

'Old villain!' exclaimed Lake, starting up, with a sudden access of
energy, and his face looked whiter still than usual--perhaps it was only
the light.

'It won't do, Sir,' said Larkin, with a sinister quietude. 'I say there's