'Yes, I have. Did you know it before?'

'No, I did not,' answered the old gentleman, his colour rising; 'and I
do not know it now. I know you say so, and I think very likely you will
be glad to take back what you have said. I will at least give you the
opportunity.'

'So far from taking it back, Mr. Longworth, I shall prove it. Your nephew
formed a partnership with my friend Kenyon and myself to float on the
London market a certain Canadian mine.'

'My dear sir,' broke in the old gentleman, 'I have no desire to hear of
my nephew's private speculations; I have nothing to do with them. I have
nothing to do with your mine. The matter is of no interest whatever to
me, and I must decline to hear anything about it. You are, also, if you
will excuse my saying so, not in a fit state of temper to talk to any
gentleman. If you like to come back here when you are calmer, I shall be
very pleased to listen to what you have to say.'

'I shall never be calmer on this subject. I have told you that your
nephew is a scoundrel. You are pleased to deny the accusation.'

'I do not deny it; I merely said I did not know it was the case, and I do
not believe it, that is all.'

'Very well; the moment I begin to show you proof that things are as
I say----'

'My dear sir,' cried the elder man, with some heat, 'you are not showing
proof. You are merely making assertions, and assertions about a man who