CHAPTER V.A CHARMING VISITOR.
Although Saniel had had no experience in business, he was not simple enough not to know that in refusing him this loan Caffie meant to make use of him.
"It is very simple," he said to himself, as he went downstairs.

"He undertakes to manage my affairs, and in such a way that some day I shall have to save myself by marrying that charming girl.

What a scoundrel!" However, the situation was such that he was glad to avail himself of the assistance of this scoundrel.

At least, some time was gained, and when Jardine found that he was not disposed to let himself be slaughtered, he might accept a reasonable arrangement.

But he must manage so that Caffie would not prevent this arrangement.
Unfortunately, he felt himself hardly capable of such manoeuvring, having been always straightforward, his eyes fixed on the end he wished to attain, and thinking only of the work through which he would attain it.