Page 329 of 896

"If you come to advancing you know," said Mr. Lorry, delighted to

be able to make another admission, "nobody can doubt that."

"Then what on earth is your meaning, Mr. Lorry?" demanded

Stryver, perceptibly crestfallen.

"Well! I--Were you going there now?" asked Mr. Lorry.

"Straight!" said Stryver, with a plump of his fist on the desk.

"Then I think I wouldn't, if I was you."

"Why?" said Stryver. "Now, I'll put you in a corner,"

forensically shaking a forefinger at him. "You are a man of

business and bound to have a reason. State your reason. Why

wouldn't you go?"

"Because," said Mr. Lorry, "I wouldn't go on such an object

without having some cause to believe that I should succeed."

"D--n me!" cried Stryver, "but this beats everything."

Mr. Lorry glanced at the distant House, and glanced at the angry

Stryver.