No doubt Mr.Lyon has fully advised you of all the facts in the case; still, I feel it to be my duty also to refer to the subject." "Good heavens!" exclaimed Mr.Markland, as Fenwick paused, and lifted his eyes from the letter.

"The second, third, and fourth instalments not paid! What can it mean?
Was not the money forwarded to Mr.Lyon ?" "He took out funds to meet the second and third regular payments; and the money for the fourth went forward in good time.

There is something wrong." "Wrong!" Mr.Markland was on his feet, and pacing the floor in an agitated manner.

"Something wrong! There exists, I fear, somewhere in this business a conspiracy to swindle." And as he said this, he fixed his eyes intently on the countenance of Mr.Fenwick.
"The agent with whom we intrusted so much has, I fear, abused our confidence," said Mr.Fenwick, speaking calmly, and returning the steady gaze of Markland.
"Who is the person who gives this information about the unpaid instalments ?" asked the latter.
"A man in whose word every reliance may be placed." "You know him personally ?" "Yes." "Is his position on the ground such as to bring him within the reach of information like that which he assumes to give ?" "Yes." "Is he a man of intelligence ?" "He is." "And one of cool judgment ?" "Yes; and this is why the information he gives is of such serious import.

He would never communicate such information on mere rumour or inference.