offices in different parts of London and county; besides they had added
a brokerage business, which had drifted into an extensive specialty of
promoting syndicates in America and the colonies. Their success in
handling high grade manufacturing plants had been phenomenal. Already at
this business they had netted two million pounds. Reliable and expert
accountants were always sent by them to examine thoroughly a client's
ledgers. Already, bonds that carried the approval of Guerney & Barring,
found ready market on Lombard, Prince, and other financial streets near
the Bank of England.

Colonel Harris relighted his cigar and queried to himself, "What ought I
to charge these Englishmen for a property that cost barely two millions,
but that has brought to the Harris family, annually for ten years, an
average of 30%, or $600,000?" At first he had fixed upon six millions as
a fair price, and then finally upon five million dollars. While he thus
reflected, he fell asleep. It was after eleven o'clock when the Waldorf
attendant caught him, or he would have fallen from his chair to the
floor. Colonel Harris gave him a piece of silver, and retired for the
night.




CHAPTER II

HUGH SEARLES OF LONDON ARRIVES


The next day was Sunday, and the Harris family slept late. Jean was first
to rise, and buying the morning papers left them at Colonel Harris's