“And can I have that partnership now?” asked Luke.

   “Not immediately. Get on with your work.”

   But it was impossible to work with the image of Jona still in his mind. He was puzzled. Grasping one ear in each hand he tried to think it out. What had she meant by “help yourself,” and “the magnet and the tin-tack?” Why had she kissed “The Romance of the Raspberry?” What did she mean by “I made a mistake?” It almost looked as if ...

   No, it could not be that.

   Still, really you know, when you came to think about it ...

   He walked over to the window once more. In the street below the policeman was instructing a group of drivers, the draper, and other persons concerned, that all applications for compensation should be sent in to Lord Tyburn, and that they would be dealt with strictly in rotation.

   On his arrival at the office next morning Luke was somewhat surprised to receive a visit in his office from Mr. Arthur Dobson. Apparently Mr. Dobson had something on his mind. He wandered about nervously saying incoherent things about the weather.

   “Anything doing?” asked Luke.

   “Nothing much. I say, I’ve found a new place to lunch at. It’s run by an Italian, Malodorato. Quite a little place, in Mud Lane. Still there it is, you know. Five courses for one and threepence. That takes some beating.”

   “Stuff must be pretty bad.”

   “Well, possibly yes. But think what a lot of it you get for your money. Come and lunch there to-day.”

   “Thanks. I have promised to go up to Gallows to-day to lunch with the Tyburns.”

   “You and your aristocratic friends. Well, I could tell you something, Mr. Sharper. I ought not to. It would have to be distinctly understood that you don’t breathe a word about it to a soul.”

   “Of course, of course.”

   “Very well, then. You look at that sheet of office paper. Old Cain has got his name above the line, and yours and mine beneath it. Well, I may tell you that in a few days’ time the only name below the line will be your own. I’m being taken into partnership.”

   “What a damned shame! I mean to say, I congratulate you. That old 

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