The above remark of Montague Arnold gave his companion some
assurance yet it did not satisfy him.

"I tell you what Mont, the only chance for me is to get the fellow
out of the way, then you can influence the old lady and if she puts
her foot down we are all right."

Hubert Tracy was far from being in a settled state of mind. He had a
continual dread of his suspected rival, while a strange fascination
possessed him--a something which attracted him to the latter with a
force in proportion equal to the dread.

It was this state of mind that forced his steps to the barrister's
office at this time, and as he turned the burning subject over and
over he felt more confused.

"It is madness to give up--it will kill me;" were the thoughts that
rose half framed to his lips and then forced themselves back with
renewed energy.

But of the forgoing conversation which we interrupted.

"Don't be alarmed my friend," cried Phillip "I can get rid of it
sooner than you, and judging from your looks this morning one would
imagine you too had been battling with some of the 'ills that human
flesh is heir to.'"

Hubert Tracy winced under this remark but the fact was lost upon the
other who innocently exclaimed, "Any trouble in the shipping
business just now."