He has made some startling discoveries. The accounts
have been kept in such a way as to completely delude investors, and this
fact will have a powerful effect on the minds of the London Syndicate.
The books of the different mines show a profit of about two hundred
thousand dollars, whereas the actual facts of the case are that there has
been an annual loss of something like one hundred thousand dollars--"'
'What's that? what's that?' cried Wentworth sharply.
'Dollars, you know. You said twenty thousand pounds. We put it in
dollars, don't you see?'
'Oh,' said Wentworth, relapsing again.
'"One hundred thousand dollars"--where was I? Oh yes. "It is claimed
that an American expert went over these books before Mr. Wentworth, and
that he asserted they were all right. An explanation from this gentleman
will now be in order."'
'There!' cried the young lady, 'that is the substance of the thing. Of
course, I may amplify a little more before we get to Queenstown, so as to
make them pay more money. People don't value a thing that doesn't cost
them dearly. How do you like it? Is it correct?'
'Perfectly correct,' answered the miserable young man.
'Oh, I am so glad you like it! I do love to have things right.'
'I didn't say I _liked_ it.'
'No, of course, you couldn't be expected to say that; but I am glad you
think it is accurate. I will add a note to the effect that you think it
is a good _resume_ of your report.'
'For Heaven's sake, don't drag me into the matter!' cried Wentworth.
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