Page:Barr--Stranleighs millions.djvu/197

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE UNRECORDED ABDUCTION
185

from him. Thus he consoled himself, hoping that the golden fount had not dried up, evaporated by Isadoras heated language.

But next day came, and no message from the magnate. Hazel was deeply in debt, yet that did not worry him in the least. Landlord or tailor could wait, but there were several obligations which came under the category of honour. A certain horse had not done what was expected of him on the racecourse, and this unforeseen default had left the Honourable John under a debt of honour which must be liquidated.

The second day no word came from Isaacstein, and after lunch Hazel called upon him at his office in the City, but was not admitted. The chief clerk said that Mr. Isaacstein was working night and day on the affair of the Honduras Central Rubber Company, which was to be put upon the market in a few weeks, and until that flotation was finished, Mr. Isaacstein was compelled to refuse himself to anyone who was not connected with the promotion.

"But, hang it all," cried Hazel, "I've seen him every day for months on that very project. Here, take in my card."

The chief clerk himself took in the card, and presently returned, accompanied by Mr. Isaacstein's secretary, who was much more suave and polite than his master, but no less definite than the head clerk in stating that Mr. Isaacstein could not re-