'Oh, I thought it was threepence,' answered Vandeloup, quietly;
'however, that does not make any difference to me. Your commission
at that rate will be twelve pounds ten shillings?'
Polglaze nodded again, and sat looking at Vandeloup like a stony
mercantile sphinx.
'If you will, then, buy me these shares,' said Vandeloup, rising,
and taking up his gloves and hat, 'when am I to come along and see
you?'
'Four,' said Polglaze.
Today?' inquired Vandeloup.
A nod from the stockbroker.
'Very well,' said Vandeloup, quietly, 'I'll give you a cheque for
the amount, then. There's nothing more to be said, I believe?' and
he walked over to the door.
'Say!' from Polglaze.
'Yes,' replied Gaston, indolently, swinging his stick to and fro.
'New?' inquired the stockbroker.
'You mean to this sort of thing?' said Vandeloup, looking at him,
and receiving a nod in token of acquiescence, added, 'entirely.'
'Risky,' dropped from the Polglaze mouth. 'I never knew a gold mine
that wasn't,' retorted Vandeloup, dryly.
'Bad,' in an assertive tone, from Polglaze.
'This particular mine, I suppose you mean?' said Gaston, with a
yawn, 'very likely it is. However, I'm willing to take the risk.
Good day! See you at four,' and with a careless nod, M. Vandeloup
lounged out of the office.
He walked along Collins Street, met a few friends, and kept a look-
out for Kitty.
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