He could not, however, act in the matter without consulting Undy, so closely linked were they in the speculation; and even at the present price his own shares would not enable him to pay back the full amount of what he had taken.
The joint property of the two was, however, at its present market price, worth L12,000--L10,000 would make him a free man.

He was perfectly willing to let Undy have the full use of the difference in amount; nay, he was ready enough to give it to him altogether, if by so doing he could place the whole of his ward's money once more in safety.

With the power of offering such a douceur to his friend's rapacity, he flattered himself that he might have a chance of being successful.

He was thus prepared to discuss the matter with his partner.
It so happened that at the same moment Undy was desirous of discussing the same subject, their joint interest, namely, in the Limehouse bridge; there was no difficulty therefore in their coming together.

They met at the door of the committee-room when Mr.Nogo had just put his 999th question to the adverse witness; and as the summons to prayers prevented the 1,000th being proceeded with at that moment, Undy and Alaric sauntered back along the passages, and then walking up and down the immense space of Westminster Hall, said each to the other what he had to say on the matter mooted between them.
Undy was in great glee, and seemed to look on his fortune as already made.