At nine-thirty the following morning, the two brothers walked into the private office of Randolph Mason and laid down seven thousand dollars on his desk. Mason counted out two thousand and thrust it into his pocket. "Gentlemen," he said shortly, "here is the five thousand dollars which I promised. I commend you for following my instructions strictly."

"We have obeyed you to the very letter," said Gordon Montcure, handing the money to his brother, "except in one particular."

"What!" cried Mason, turning upon him, "you dared to change my plans?"

"No," said Gordon Montcure, stepping back, "only the fool lawyer suggested the repurchase before I could do it."

"Ah," said Randolph Mason, sinking back into his chair, "a trifling detail. I bid you goodmorning."