"What is his opinion of Mr. Lyon?"

"He expresses the most unbounded confidence. Has known him, and all
about him, for over ten years; and says that a man of better
capacity, or stricter honour, is not to be found. The parties in
London, who have intrusted large interests in his hands, are not the
men to confide such interests to any but the tried and proved."

"How much will we be expected to invest at the beginning?"

"Not less than twenty thousand dollars apiece."

"So much?"

"Yes. Only two parties in this city are to be in the Company, and we
have the first offer."

"You intend to accept?"

"Of course. In fact, I have accepted. At the same time, I assured
Mr. Fenwick that he might depend on you."

"But for this strange story about Mr. Lyon's return to the city--a
death's-head at our banquet--there would not be, in my mind, the
slightest hesitation."

"It is only a shadow," said Mr. Markland.

"Shadows do not create themselves," replied Mr. Brainard.