'
'And what excuse did he make for not joining us?'
'Oh, he merely said he thought he would have nothing to do with it.'
'Now, what do you imagine his object was in pumping you if he had no
intention of taking an interest in the mine?'
'I'm sure I don't know. I do not understand that sort of man at all. In
fact, I feel rather relieved he is going to have nothing to do with it. I
distrust him.'
'That's all very well, John, you are prejudiced against him; but you know
the name of Longworth would have a very great effect upon the minds of
other City men. If we can get the Longworths into this, even for a small
amount, I am certain that we shall have very little trouble in floating
the company.'
'Well, all I can say is, my mission to the Longworths was a failure. Have
you looked over the papers?'
'Oh yes, and that reminds me. The point on which the whole scheme turns
is the availability of the mineral for the making of china, isn't it?'
'That is so.'
'Well, look at this letter; it came this morning.'
He tossed the letter over to Kenyon, who read it, and then asked:
'Who's Adam Brand? He doesn't know what he is talking about.'
'Ah, but the trouble is that he does. No man in England better, I should
imagine. He is the manager and part owner of the big Scranton china
works. I went to see Melville of that company yesterday. He could tell
me nothing about the mineral, but kept the specimen I gave him, and told
me he would show it to the manager when he came in.
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