A Prince of Swindlers by Guy Boothby

well rewarded into the bargain.”
    â€œWhen do you want it?”
    â€œBy mid-day to-morrow. It must be paid in to my account at the Bank before twelve o’clock. You will have no difficulty in obtaining it I know. Your respectable merchant friends will do it for you if you but hold up your little finger. If they don’t feel inclined, then put on the screw and make them.”
    She laughed as he paid this tribute to her power. A moment later, however, she was all gravity.
    â€œAnd the security?”
    He leant towards her and whispered in her ear.
    â€œIt is well,” she replied. “The money shall be found for you to-morrow. Now tell me your plans; I must know all that you intend doing.”
    â€œIn the first place,” he answered, drawing a little closer to her, and speaking in a lower voice, so that no eavesdropper should hear, “I shall take with me Abdul Khan, Ram Gafur, Jowur Singh, and Nur Ali, with others of less note as servants. I shall engage the best house in London, and under the wing of our gracious Viceroy, who has promised me the light of his countenance, will work my way into the highest society. That done I shall commence operations. No one will ever suspect!”
    â€œAnd when it is finished, and you have accomplished your desires, how will you escape?”
    â€œThat I have not yet arranged. But of this you may be sure, I shall run no risks.”
    â€œAnd afterwards?”
    He leant a little towards her again, and patted her affectionately upon the hand.
    â€œThen we shall see what we shall see,” he said. “I don’t think you will find me ungrateful.”
    She shook her pretty head.
    â€œIt is good talk,” she cried, “but it means nothing. You always say the same. How am I to know that you will not learn to love one of the white mem-sahibs when you are so much among them?”
    â€œBecause there is but one Trincomalee Liz,” he answered; “and for that reason you need have no fear.”
    Her face expressed the doubt with which she received this assertion. As she had said, it was not the first time she had been cajoled into advancing him large sums with the same assurance. He knew this, and, lest she should alter her mind, prepared to change the subject.
    â€œBesides the others, I must take Hiram Singh and Wajib Baksh. They are in Calcutta, I am told, and I must communicate with them before noon to-morrow. They are the most expert craftsmen in India, and I shall have need of them.”
    â€œI will have them found, and word shall be sent to you.”
    â€œCould I not meet them here?”
    â€œNay, it is impossible. I shall not be here myself. I leave for Madras within six hours.”
    â€œIs there, then, trouble toward?”
    She smiled, and spread her hands apart with a gesture that said: “Who knows?”
    He did not question her further, but after a little conversation on the subject of the money, rose to bid her farewell.
    â€œI do not like this idea,” she said, standing before him and looking him in the face. “It is too dangerous. Why should you run such risk? Let us go together to Burma. You shall be my vizier.”
    â€œI would wish for nothing better,” he said, “were it not that I am resolved to go to England. My mind is set upon it, and when I have done, London shall have something to talk about for years to come.”
    â€œIf you are determined, I will say no more,” she answered; “but when it is over, and you are free, we will talk again.”
    â€œYou will not forget about the money?” he asked anxiously.
    She stamped her foot.
    â€œMoney, money, money,” she cried. “It is always the money of which you think. But you shall have it, never fear. And now when shall I see you again?”
    â€œIn six months’ time at a place of which I will tell you beforehand.”
    â€œIt is a long time to wait.”
    â€œThere is a necklace worth