I've got
it here!"
He patted the despatch case. "This is Pandora's box, Staff! With
something better than Hope at the bottom: Certainty!"
He laughed quietly, confidently, and his bright eyes flashed under
their dark brows from one to the other.
"Murray has just arrived, Falconer, with the good news!" he took out
the gold chain to which the key of the despatch box was fastened, and
inserted it in the lock. "The good news, Staff! I haven't bothered and
bored you with details; but you know, my dear boy, that I have had a
big scheme on hand for some time past--a very big scheme. It has been
rather a touch-and-go business, but I think I have managed to pull it
off--eh, Falconer? The last day or two has been one of suspense--great
suspense--but success has come. You don't care for money, Staff, I
know. Nor do I. Honestly, no! Not for the mere money, but for what it
can buy and bring. But even you will have some respect for a million
and a half, Staff."
He laughed.
"A large sum, and this means more than money. There ought to be
something in the way of an honour--"
Falconer nodded.
"_If_ the scheme is successful, your father will be a peer of the
realm, Mr.
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