That must be dealt with.

At all costs, Kitely's silence must be purchased--aye, even if it cost him and Mallalieu one-half of what they had.

And, of course, Mallalieu must be told--at once.
A tap of somebody's knuckles on the door of the private room roused him at last, and he sprang up and seized a box of matches as he bade the person without to enter.

The clerk came in, carrying a sheaf of papers, and Cotherstone bustled to the gas.
"Dear me!" he exclaimed.

"I've dropped off into a nod over this warm fire, Stoner.