chairman. You see, Tarleton, we're accustomed to that sort of thing in
France."

"But we aren't," remarked Tarleton, "and I think it's--something ought to
be done," he added.

"Something can be done," said Klein.

"How?"

"I suppose you've heard of Blum & Co.?"

The secretary stared at him. "No, I've never heard of them."

"Well, Blum & Co. is Sir Matthew's firm, and Mr. Blum would be an
exceedingly interesting witness."

Tarleton almost jumped out of his chair. "Good Lord!" he said excitedly,
"you don't mean--"

"I mean just exactly that," Klein continued in his heavy way. "Moritz
Blum is Bale's partner, and he's one of the biggest scamps in the City.
Now supposing I give the tip to a member of the committee to call him."

Tarleton could hardly believe his ears. Here was retribution for Sir
Matthew with a vengeance! But he hesitated.

"Would it be square, do you think? I mean, wouldn't it be treacherous
towards the chairman?"