Melville.

"Not on your conditions, sir!" came, sharply, from the boatbuilder.

"Oh, you will come to your senses, soon," rejoined the capitalist,
coolly. "You need a good deal of money for the extension of your
business, and we stand ready to supply it. All that is needed is the
conceding of certain conditions, and we are ready to pass our checks
for all the money you need. My associates and myself ask for nothing
that is unfair. Now, will you take our money into your business, or
will you go on in the old, slow way?"

David Pollard had risen, in some agitation, and had walked to the further
end of the private office.

"Pardon me a moment," begged Farnum, then followed his friend. The two
conversed in low tones.

"You may leave the room, boys," announced Mr. Melville, turning to eye
Jack Benson.

Not one of the three stirred.

"Did you hear me?" insisted the capitalist, sharply.

"Yes, sir," answered Jack, quietly.

"Then why don't you go?"

"Mr. Farnum sent for us, and we are waiting to learn whether he is