, and his
subsequent acquaintance with Lilian Rosenberg.
Whilst John Martin had been ill, and he had helped at the Hall in
Kings way, he had lived well. Gladys had taken care he was paid--not a
big sum to be sure--but enough to keep him. But directly John Martin,
in spite of Gladys's remonstrances, had resumed work, Shiel had been
dismissed.
"I wish I could help you," John Martin said to him, "for I really feel
grateful to you for all you have done, but to tell you the candid
truth, I can't afford to pay any salaries. As you know, the receipts
of the Hall are next to nothing; but the expenses continue just the
same--rent, gas, and staff--all heavy items. Moreover, at your uncle's
death, many of his creditors put in claims on the Firm for
debts--debts he had incurred without either my sanction or
knowledge--and it has been a serious drain on me to pay them off. In
fact, my finances are now at such a low ebb that I cannot possibly do
anything for you. If only the Modern Sorcery Company could be cleared
off the scenes."
"You would, I suppose, feel extremely grateful to whoever cleared them
off?"
"I would," John Martin replied, with a significant chuckle.
"Even though it were some one who had not stood very high in your
estimation?"
"Even though it were the devil."
"Now, look here, Mr. Martin," Shiel said, trying to appear calm. "I
will devote all my energies and all my time to your cause--the
overthrow of the Modern Sorcery Company, if only--if only, in the
event of my being successful, you will give me some hope of being
permitted to win your daughter.
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