Sir--nothing on earth about him--what he's doing, where he is, or what's
become of him. But I can't hear a man of business like you assert, upon
what he conceives to be reliable information--situated as the Brandon
title is--depending, I mean, in some measure, upon his life--that Mark
Wylder is no more, without being a good deal shocked.'

'I quite understand, Sir--quite, Captain Lake. It is very serious, Sir,
very; but I can't believe it has gone that length, quite. I shall know
more, of course, when I've seen James Dutton. I can't think, I mean, he's
been made away with in that sense; nor how that could benefit anyone; and
I'd much rather, Captain Lake, move in this matter--since move I must--in
your interest--I mean, as your friend and man of business--than in any
way, Captain Lake, that might possibly involve you in trouble.'

'You _are_ my man of business--aren't you? and have no grounds for
ill-will--eh?' said the captain, drily.

'No ill-will certainly--quite the reverse. Thank Heaven, I think I may
truly say, I bear ill-will to no man living; and wish you, Captain Lake,
nothing but good, Sir--nothing but good.'

'Except a hasty word or two, I know no reason you should _not_,' said the
captain, in the same tone.

'Quite so. But, Captain Brandon Lake, there is nothing like being
completely above-board--it has been my rule through life; and I will
say--it would not be frank and candid to say anything else--that I have
of late been anything but satisfied with the position which, ostensibly
your professional adviser and confidential man of business, I have
occupied. Have I been consulted?--I put it to you; have I been trusted?