"Do you think Gamble can fully organize such a company?"

"I think so," stated Mr. Close. "Understand, I do not recommend the
investment; and my stock is subscribed only on condition that he
obtains his full quota of capital."

"What sort of a man is he?"

"A very reliable young man, I believe," responded Mr. Close,
carefully testing an ink-eaten steel pen point to see if it was
really time for it to be thrown away. "Of course I could not state
Mr. Gamble to be financially responsible, but personally I would
trust him. I would not urge or even recommend any one to take part
in his projects; but personally I feel quite safe in investing with
him, though I would not care to have that fact generally known,
because of the influence it might have. Perhaps you had better see
some of the other subscribers."

"No, I've seen enough," announced Mr. Washer. "Thanks!" and he
dashed out of the door.

Ten minutes later he was in Loring's office again.

"Now, name your bottom price for that property," he ordered.

"Two million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars," obliged
Johnny with careful emphasis on each word.

"It's too much money."