There has been a great fraud committed; and I know all the ins and the outs of it!" "By whom ?" asked Claire.
"Ah!" replied the visitor, "that we will come to after a while." "Upon whom, then ?" "Upon the estate of Ruben Elder, the father of your adopted daughter." Not liking either the man's appearance or manner, Claire said, after a moment's reflection-- "Why have you called to see me ?" "To give the information I have indicated--provided, of course, that you desire to have it." "On what terms do you propose to act in this matter?
Let us understand each other in the beginning." "I can put you in the way of recovering for Miss Elder from twenty to a hundred thousand dollars, out of which she has been cheated.

But, before I give you any information on the subject, I shall require an honourable pledge on your part, as well as written agreement, to pay me twenty per cent.

of the whole amount recovered.

Will you give it ?" Claire bent his head in thought for some moments.

When he looked up he said-- "No, sir.