"You know my thoughts were running on jam; jam is our salvation; of
that I have long been convinced. I looked about, made a few
inquiries, and by good luck, not long after you went off for your
holiday, met just the man I wanted. You've heard of Applegarth's
jams?"

Will said he had seen them advertised.

"Well, I came across Applegarth himself. I was talking to Linklater
--and jams came up. 'You ought to see my friend Applegarth,' said
he; and he arranged for us to meet. Applegarth happened to be in
town, but he lives down in Somerset, and his factory is at Bristol.
We all dined together at the Junior Carlton, and Applegarth and I
got on so well that he asked me down to his place. Oxford man,
clever, a fine musician, and an astronomer; has built himself a
little observatory--magnificent telescope. By Jove! you should
hear him handle the violin. Astonishing fellow! Not much of a
talker; rather dry in his manner; but no end of energy, bubbling
over with vital force. He began as a barrister, but couldn't get on,
and saw his capital melting. 'Hang it!' said he, 'I must make some
use of what money I have'; and he thought of jam. Brilliant idea! He
began in a very modest way, down at Bristol, only aiming at local
trade. But his jams were good; the demand grew; he built a factory;
profits became considerable. And now, he wants to withdraw from
active business, keeping an interest. Wants to find some one who
would run and extend the concern--put in a fair capital, and leave
him to draw his income quietly. You see?"

"Seems a good opportunity," said Warburton.