Unfortunately, no publisher could be found to bear the entire expense of this publication, which of course appealed to a very small circle of readers.

The illustrations made it costly, and--in short, Daniel found himself pressingly in need of a certain sum to complete this undertaking, which could not but establish his fame as a connoisseur, and in all likelihood would secure his appointment as Director of a certain Gallery which he must not name.

The money could be had for the asking from twenty persons--a mere bagatelle of a hundred and fifty pounds or so; but how much pleasanter it would be if this little loan could be arranged between brothers Daniel would engage to return the sum on publication of the book, probably some six months hence.

Of course he merely threw out the suggestion-- "I shall be only too glad to help," exclaimed Piers at once.

"You shall have the money as soon as I get it." "That's really noble of you, my dear boy--By the bye, let all this be very strictly _entre nous_.