entered.

'Any news?' he asked.

John, who was in a state of mind which made him suspicious of everything
and everybody, answered:

'No, nothing new.'

'Ah, I am sorry for that. I had some hopes that perhaps you might be able
to raise the money before twelve o'clock to-morrow. Of course you know
the option ends at noon to-morrow?'

'Yes, I know that.'

'Did you know that Longworth was in Ottawa?'

'No,' said Kenyon; 'I have been out of town myself.'

'Yes, he came last night. He has the money in the bank, as I told you.
Now, I will not accept it until the very latest moment. Of course,
legally, I cannot accept it before that time, and, just as legally, I
cannot refuse his money when he tenders it. I am very sorry all this has
happened--more sorry than I can tell you. I hope you will not think that
I am to blame in the matter?'

'No, you are not in the slightest to blame. There is nobody in fault
except myself. I feel that I have been culpably negligent, and altogether
too trustful.'