Some proposed deferring all action until further news came; while others were for sending out an agent, with full powers, immediately.

To this latter view the majority inclined.

"If it be true," suggested Markland, "that the--Government has threatened to seize upon our property if the three instalments were not paid on the first of the present month, every thing may now be in its hands." "Lyon would hardly let it come to that," said another, "He has in his possession the means of preventing such a catastrophe, by paying over one of the instalments, and thus gaining time." "Time for what ?" was asked.

"If he mean to enrich himself at our expense, he can do it best now.

He is too shrewd not to understand that; if a question of his integrity arises, his further power to reach our funds is gone." "But he does not know that we have information of the unpaid instalments." "And that information may come from one who has an interest in ruining him," said another.
"You may think so, gentlemen," said Mr.Fenwick, coolly, "but I will stake my life on the unwavering faith of my correspondent in all he alleges.