already kindled in the breast of the offended schemer.  The latter bristled at the words, lost for an instant his self-possession, said in his anger more than he intended—­more than he might easily unsay—­enough to bruise the already smarting soul of Allcraft.  A threat escaped his lips—­a reproach—­a taunt.  He spoke of his power, and touched cuttingly upon the deep schemes of other men, more feasible than his own perhaps, and certainly more honest.  Allcraft winced, as every syllable made known the speaker’s actual strength—­his own dependence and utter weakness.  He made no reply to the attack of the man whom he had drawn from beggary; but he looked him in the face steadily and reproachfully, and shamed him into vexation and regret.

“I did not mean to speak unkindly, Michael,” he stammered with a view to apologize.  “I am sorry that I lost my temper.  You need not fear me.  Don’t remember what I have said.”

“You have threatened me, Planner,” answered Allcraft, trembling with irritation.  “You have attempted to frighten me into compliance with your demands.  I say, sir, you have threatened me.  It is the first time—­it shall be the last.”

“It shall, Michael—­I promise you it shall.”

“I ask no promise from you,” continued the excited and suspicious man, writhing under a sense of his helplessness.  “You have betrayed the cloven foot.  I thank you for it.  I am aware of what is to follow—­I expect it—­I shall hold myself prepared!”

“Do nothing of the kind, Allcraft.  You know me better.  You are safe with me.  I am ashamed of myself for what I have spoken.  Forgive me”—­

“But never mind,” proceeded the unhappy Michael.  “I defy you:  do your worst.  Let this be your acknowledgment of past favours—­the fulfilment of your sacred promise.  Betray me to Bellamy, and be at ease.”

“Michael, you do not use me well.  I spoke angrily, and without consideration.  I am sorry that I did so, and I have asked your forgiveness.  What can I do more?  You should allow for wounded feelings.  It was hard to hear you ridiculing an affair that occupies my serious thoughts.  I was irritated—­think no more about it.”

“Answer me this, How much does Mr Bellamy already know?”

“From me—­nothing.  Make your mind happy on that score.  It is not to the interest of any one of us that secrets should be known.  You need not fear.  Shake hands.”

Michael took his hand.

“And as to this Association,” continued Planner, “let me have my way for once—­the thing is clear, and cannot fail.  The elements of success are there, and a splendid fortune must be realized.  I am not greedy.  I don’t want to grasp every thing for myself.  I told you just now that we would share and share alike.  You are not up to projects of this nature.  I am.  Trust to me.  I will engage to enter upon no new affair if I am disappointed in this.  The truth is, I cannot quietly let a fortune slide through my fingers, when a little skill and energy only are necessary to secure it.  Come, Michael, this once you must not say no.”