The Profiteers

n's pallid face, the ugly twist of his lips and the light in his bloodshot eyes. He paused op

imed. "How are you, old de

cold civility, Flossi

irror which she had just drawn from her bag, "that Lord Dredlint

you doing here, Wingate? I didn't kno

de no response. Dredlinton shook h

our time. Mr. Wingate's taste in women is of a very-superior order. Doesn't c

know," was th

approve of this, you know. Wingate, let me tell you that Flossie is a very dangerous young lady-destroys the peace o

t. Kendrick rose from his place and l

n," he said shortly. "You're

Who are you? Just that man's broker, that's al

oked at hi

I should advise you to get

f I am? I'm a better man drunk than you ar

t him from under

not to mention any

t to mention any names, eh? He'll for

if you did," W

eeth. But for Kendrick's restraining arm, he seemed as though he would have thrown

like to buy, though-and, damn it all, there's old Dreadnought Phipps down there-he's a bidder, to

rederick Houstley left his chai

he said, "I think y

is going to be a joke. You listen. I tell you what I'll do. I'm a poor man-devilish poor-and it takes a l

hed his chair back and stood behind

, in an agonised whisper. "For my sake, don't! He's dangerous whe

postulated, "you are spoiling my party. Y

Not I! I'm too fond of you, old dear. You give too nice parties. Always the right sort of

't make an ass of your

ne's enjoyment, making a

bit of fun. What about an auction, eh?--an auction with two bidders only-both millionaires-one's a pal and the other isn't. Bo

d upon his r?le. He had a very correct i

e fellow seriously," he went on, speaking generally. "He's all right a

nt reply. "But let's hear your b

d humouredly, with a covert glance towards Wingate. "W

ht tip. You were the only man in the running. Clear course. No jealousy. Up to you to step in and win. You've

!" Phipps roared. "Give him a dri

unes of a fallen family. Gad, it's a night for all you outsiders to remember, this!" he went on, glancing insolently around the table. "Don't often have th

ver left Dredlinton. Dredlinton, too, watched him

a unique opportunity. Heaven knows when you may get the chance again! Shall we say tw

he trying to sell?

t least the courage of a drunken man, for he

cried out. "Doesn't e

Wingate

ted. "If Flossie wants to know, here's the truth. It's th

was a most amazing spectacle,-the spectacle of Wingate walking quietly to the door with Dredlinton in his arms, kicking and shouting smothered profanities, but abso

y room with a key

apartment used on busy occasions for a service room. Win

ausing for a moment to listen t

d waite

man can break through

party. Half of the guests were on their

, as he made his way towards his place. "I think if I were you, I should give this key to o

patted him o

hted to have made your acquaintance, Mr. Wing

s full to the brim but his fingers were perfectly steady. He looked down the table towards Phipps, whose ex

ost wonderful man I ev

and see me off the premises, there's a dear. Jimmy w

door, followed by a reproachful glance from Flossie. The former t

he said, "just as I think that Josephine is the dearest woman, and

Wingate replie