"At the usual place, 12 M. to-day. Important." There was no
signature.

The sharp knitting of her brows and the nervous crumpling of the
note in her hand showed that she was not pleased at the summons. She
had come already to know her partner in evil too well. At 12 M. she
was in the hotel parlor. Freeling was already there. They met in
external cordiality, but it was very evident from the manner of Mrs.
Dinneford, that she felt herself in the man's power, and had learned
to be afraid of him.

"It will be impossible to get through to-morrow," he said, in a kind
of imperative voice, that was half a threat, "unless we have two
thousand dollars."

"I cannot ask Mr. Dinneford for anything more," Mrs. Dinneford
replied; "we have already furnished ten thousand dollars beyond the
original investment."

"But it is all safe enough--that is, if we do not break down just
here for lack of so small a sum."

Mrs. Dinneford gave a start.

"Break down!" She repeated the words in a husky, voice, with a
paling face. "What do you mean?"

"Only that in consequence of having in store a large stock of
unsalable goods bought by your indiscreet son-in-law, who knows no