'
'That is my own idea. I think, myself, it is rather unfair to suspect
a man of being a villain when he has really done nothing to show that
he is one.'
To this John made no answer.
The next day Kenyon occupied the new offices, and set himself to the
task of getting accustomed to them. The first day a few people dropped
in, made inquiries about the mine, took some printed matter, and
generally managed to ask several questions to which Kenyon was unable to
reply. On the second day a number of newspaper men called--advertising
canvassers, most of them, who left cards or circulars with Kenyon,
showing that unless a commercial venture was advertised in their
particular papers it was certain not to be a success. One very swell
individual, with a cast of countenance that betokened a frugal,
money-making, and shrewd race, asked Kenyon for a private interview. He
said he belonged to the _Financial Field_, the great newspaper of London,
which was read by every investor both in the City and in the country. All
he wanted was some particulars of the mine.
Had the company been formed yet?
No, it had not.
When did they intend to go to the public?
That Kenyon could not say.
What was the peculiarity about the mine which constituted its
recommendation to investors?
Kenyon said the full particulars would be found in the printed sheet he
handed him, and with profuse thanks the newspaper man put it in his
pocket.
How had the mine paid in previous years?
It had paid a small dividend.
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