I think I ought to get a renewal of
the option. It is not wise to risk things as we are doing. Von Brent
might at any time get an offer for his mine, just as we are forming our
company, and, of course, if the option had not been renewed, he would
sell to the first man who put down the money. As you say, all he wants is
to sell his mine.'
Longworth was busy opening his letters, and apparently paying very little
attention to what Kenyon said. At last, however, he spoke:
'If I were you--if you care to take my advice--I would go straight back
to England. You will do no good here. I merely say this to save you any
further trouble, time, and expense.'
'Don't you think it would be as well to get a renewal of the option?'
'Oh, certainly; but, as I told you before, it was not at all necessary
for you to come over. I may say, furthermore, that Von Brent will not
renew the option without a handsome sum down, to be forfeited if the
company is not formed. Have you the money to pay him?'
'No, I have not.'
'Very well, then, why waste time and money going to Ottawa?' Young Mr.
Longworth arched his eye-brows and gazed at John through his eyeglass. 'I
will let you have my third of the money, if that will do any good.'
'How much money does Von Brent want?'
'How should I know? To tell you the truth, Mr. Kenyon--and truth never
hurts, or oughtn't to--I don't at all like this visit to America. You and
Mr. Wentworth have been good enough to be suspicious about me from the
very first.
Pages:
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294