Chapter 368

‘That affair of the first bond for four thousand five hundred pounds has not taken the course that was expected, Spiker,’ said Mr. Gulpidge.

‘Do you mean the D. of A.’s?’ said Mr. Spiker.

‘The C. of B.’s!’ said Mr. Gulpidge.

Mr. Spiker raised his eyebrows, and looked much concerned.

‘When the question was referred to Lord - I needn’t name him,’ said Mr. Gulpidge, checking himself -

‘I understand,’ said Mr. Spiker, ‘N.’

Mr. Gulpidge darkly nodded - ‘was referred to him, his answer was, “Money, or no release.”’

‘Lord bless my soul!’ cried Mr. Spiker.

“‘Money, or no release,”’ repeated Mr. Gulpidge, firmly. ‘The next in reversion - you understand me?’

‘K.,’ said Mr. Spiker, with an ominous look.

‘- K. then positively refused to sign. He was attended at Newmarket for that purpose, and he point-blank ref……