“The agent with whom we intrusted so much has, I fear, abused our confidence,” said Mr. Fenwick, speaking calmly, and returning the steady gaze of Markland.

“Who is the person who gives this information about the unpaid instalments?” asked the latter.

“A man in whose word every reliance may be placed.”

“You know him personally?”

“Yes.”

“Is his position on the ground such as to bring him within the reach of information like that which he assumes to give?”

“Yes.”

“Is he a man of intelligence?”

“He is.”

“And one of cool judgment?”

“Yes; and this is why the information he gives is of such serious import.  He would never communicate such information on mere rumour or inference.  He knows the facts, or he would not have averred to their existence.”

“Has there been a meeting of the Board?” inquired Markland.

“There was a hurried meeting yesterday afternoon; and we shall convene again at six this evening.”

“What was done?”

“Nothing.  Consternation at the intelligence seized upon every one.  There were regrets, anxieties, and denunciations, but no action.”

“What is the general view in regard to Lyon?”

“Some refuse to admit the implied charge that lies against him; while others take the worst for granted, and denounce him in unmeasured terms.”

“What is your opinion?” asked Markland.

“Knowing the man from whom information comes, I am led to fear the worst.  Still, there may have been some mistake—­some misapprehension on his part.”

“The meeting takes place at six o’clock?” said Markland, after remaining a short time silent.

“Yes.”

“Will you propose any thing?”

“I wish, first, to hear the views of others.  Prompt action of some kind is certainly required.”

“If Lyon be actually the villain he now seems, he will put himself entirely beyond our reach on the first intimation of danger,” said Markland.

“So I have reasoned.  Our only hope, therefore, is to get possession of his person.  But how is this to be accomplished?”

“Give immediate notice to the—­Government, that he is in possession of the funds due them by the Company, and they will not fail to secure his person,” said Markland.

“A good suggestion,” replied Fenwick.  And he sat in a thoughtful attitude for some moments.  “Yes, that is a good suggestion,” he repeated.  “We must send a shrewd, confidential agent at once to L—­, and give information of the exact position of affairs.”

“What is the date of the last communication from Lyon?” asked Markland.

“He wrote on the tenth.”

“Of last month?”

“Yes.”

“And the—­Government threatened to enter upon and seize our property on the first of the present month?”

“True—­true; and the worst may have already happened,” said Fenwick.  “Still, an agent must go out, and vigorous efforts be made to save our property.”