Edgar Wallace

“ In a minute he had mastered his fears and turned the handle of the door.
A man rose to meet him. He had a feeling that he had met him before. It was one of those impressions that it is so difficult to explain. “You wanted to see me?” he asked. ”

“ Colonel Black tapped the desk with his knife, and Sandford looked at him. He seemed older than when he had last seen him. His yellow face was seamed and lined.
“It means ruin for me,” he said suddenly. “I have more creditors than I can count. If the amalgamation went through I should be established. There are lots of people in with me too—Ikey Tramber—you know Sir Isaac? He’s a friend of—er—the Earl of Verlond.”
But the elder man was not impressed. “It is your fault if you’re in a hole,” said he. “You have taken on too big a job—more than that, you have taken too much for granted.” ”

“ The man at the desk looked up from under his straight brows. “It is all very well for you to sit there and tell me what I should do,” he said, and the shakiness of his voice told the other something of the passion he concealed. “I do not want advice or homily—I want money. Come into my scheme and amalgamate, or—”
“Or—” repeated the ironmaster quietly.
“I do not threaten you,” said Black sullenly; “I warn you. You are risking more than you know.”
“I’ll take the risk,” said Sandford. He got up on to his feet. “Have you anything more to say?” ”