Page:Vance--The rass bowl.djvu/48

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THE BRASS BOWL

"It's a big enough haul to attract him," argued the lawyer earnestly; "Anisty always aims high. … Now, will you do what I have been begging you to do for the past eight years?"

"Seven," corrected Maitland punctiliously. "It's just seven years since I entered into mine inheritance and you became my counselor."

"Well, seven, then. But will you put those jewels in safe deposit?"

"Oh, I suppose so."

"But when?"

"Would it suit you if I ran out to-night?" Maitland demanded so abruptly that Bannerman was disconcerted.

"I—er—ask nothing better."

"I'll bring them in town to-morrow. You arrange about the vault and advise me, will you, like a good fellow?"

"Bless my soul! I never dreamed that you would be so—so——"

"Amenable to discipline?" Maitland grinned, boylike, and, leaning back, appreciated Bannerman's

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