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have not long to live, and is it wi t 1 se, therefore, fo. drive me to despera-| 98d tion? Thin : § "Ackroyd felt that the battle won; he had asked ider: More than he finally intended to cept. » ; "I have explained tion explicitly. You must i wo De offer . very considerably. I will abate my demand. a litle, but we must meet one another." *'Heaven on got it, but I will give you ten thou- sand pounds." That is my final of- er "18 that is 80, Tam sorr; Things will have 'to course." for you, e their 'The Earl turned to his desk and: took up the statement that he had prepared for Joel. "Look at this,"' he said, handing the paper over. "You will see that Xam not lying to you. Iam heav- ily in 'debt 'and don't know which way to turn for money," Ackroyd looked at the figures, and his face fell as he realized their meaning. For a moment he thought that his hope was doomed to disap- intment, 'and fury filled his eart. "I ean't help your troubles," he said fiercely; 'I've my own to con- sider. This paper may contain a true statement of your affairs, but that doesn't affect me. If you have not got it, you can borrow it easily enough. Your Jewish friend Joel would lend it. you for the asking. I suppose 'that is the only reason Jou are so friendly with him. The oel Josephs of 'this' world are not usually received by people like JCrself unless there is something ehind it." The Earl looked at the drawer vhich . contained Joel's Bhould he sacrifice that? What would happen if -he were to refuse to give the man anything? ' The money that he had obtained 'that morning, he felt he had paid for by his interview with his son. = Noi He must pay. Ackroyd meant busi- ness, and anything better than that his act of treachery should become known, "Name your minimum," he said curily. 'He had made up his mind to the sacrifice, and he wished to get it over as' soon as possible. 'Tell me the most you ean pay at once," Ackroyd asked eagerly. "Twenty-five thousand pounds." Ackroyd's heart beat 'wildly at the amount. It would do, "It is 'a bargain," he cried hast ly. The Earl produced Joel's cheque from the drawer, and taking up his on, slowly wrote his name on'the ack, "Give me the papers,' he said weakly, for his strength was leav- Ing him, : ckroyd clutched 'at the cheque and laughed gleefully when he saw the name of the drawer. Lord Wolverholme seized the Tet- ters in his hands, carefully examin- od them, and placed them in his pocket for subsequent destruction. CHAPTER. VI. Joel Josephs had confidence in his own ability to bring' this marriage a successful termination, he to tackle Lord Hare- oH cheque.' Increase your | deal"? knows how I shall fi "He has done so, benefit to himself, covered to-day: that he has been plunging on is own initiative, 'and 'with 'rather Tous results." This informa*on gave Harecastle food: for thought, and he at once {amped to the conclusion that here ay the reason of the opposition to his marriage. He decided that upon the first opportunity 'he would: go thoroughly into the matter with his father.' Ethel Fetherston was rich but was by no means wealthy, and it his father's affairs were serious: ly embarrassed it would delay their marriage for a long period. : If this was the cause of his op- position' there was a hope that it might be overcome, for of all ills lack of money is the one that is easiest overcome 'and 'that leaves the least traces behind it. 'I think that I am quite an fait with your father's affairs. 'If 'he were to die at vhe present moment, he 'would leave a considerable lia- bility behind him. You would suc- ceed to the estates, and of courte the property would be free from any olaim 'by your father's oreditors. But, perhaps, as a matter of hon or. you would consider yourself obliged to settle his liabilities." of should: "naturally pay every thing that my father owed,"' Hares castle promptly, rejoined. : "1 thought you would look at it from that point of view,'" Joel re- plied with = quickly concealed tri- umph. ' 'It 1s only what one would expect from 'a man of your charao- ter. I am very sorry to have to be the bearer of news that must na turally cause you a deal of worry. 1 have known you for somé time, and if 1 may be permitted to say 50, 1 have a great liking for yon.' "That is very. kind, Mr. Jo: sephs," Harecastle said heartily, - Your future ought to be a bril- liant one. = The only thing you lack is money." ot 'A most important thing," Hare: castle said: HE, 'Yes, but one that can be mc- quired," 'Joel broke. in quickly. . He thought it was time to come to: close 'quarters. "I wonder you have never mar- ried," he continued quietly. am sure that you would never mas: ry for wealth alone. | But if you could fix your tions upon one where riches lay, it would be a hap: py. solution. of the difficulty." = *. 'One' cannot always: order one's affections,' Harecastle said coldly, 'Quite 'true, quite true,' Joel said hastily. I 'understand that; This only added to tion that the marriage. place. No & omen should have him, if he could bring] [it about by any means in his pow: er. He would prefer that it should be done quietly and would be no need for his gloves in the ha matter. igs The Earl must he doubted came to the conclusion would be a limit to. his He was now inclined to there might be some truth reported. engagement 'to Fetherston. Hii "If it is "so, it must be broken]: ofl,"" he aid grimly' to elf. «|| Tord Harecastle TOBE Be Rah Iogkol ay Covet, oa: o tebe oocked u nly, but} Bike no. one moved. r Hs iy Fortunately, Rebekah," Mrs. Gold: | E20. was disor ndly, and the girl se-| te. Populat comipatiied Harecastle ith rg : ; sure twas very eviden ras no wa Joel Josephs and his. siste (the farmer was: alone. : Gately fruptey, when: ano 'Rebekah is very much in love," d him. © That gave sd as oloful{ ¢ne of the by-products of g Ys Soldberg said with a doloful Factores AIOOhato of ammonis, "And she shall marry him,'"Joel| 82 excellent. substitute for said fercely. >. ! : ; ; d manure. She shook her head, = =. "I do, not think that he is in/lo with her,' she replied decisively, "That makes : no difference. have made up 'my: mind that shall 'marry, and 1 get my way tho long run." i You are a wonderful man, J but it, will be difficult. Lord castle is not a puppet.' "But he shall "dancd to my} string," 'he replied firmly. "Be certain that you do not m u hash of matters. It is gen dread: p trouble' will come "if Joel. iL ma "I have no inten: but I had hoped that you had forms vid ed an attachme dont, that would very way su 3 0 NT do ot wish Josephs, but you mi derstand that this ¥ do. not care ar 'No time like the present," | = « 'was the to ;-and he soon follow 63 Harecastle 10 his Tory a Bille avery nord an a: Lally. yous ib the 0. fathoms below' the sur: 16 ocean there is a uni- ¢ just above freez- 'And why," the teacher asked! uld we hold the aged in re:|: ri. set 1! Cause. it ig mostly the! 2 that, allithe money, ' | § d the teacher ra. wd you expect to get "Mrs. Brown--"'Oh neha diamond ring, 1 a new silk dress.' 3 away me ar as the icy 'reply; "but! collar has not yet come "the laundry'