to let it stay there. I am not making this proposition on my own
account, but for a client who has a block of five thousand shares. I
have here the annual reports of the road for several years, and some
other information about its condition. My idea was that you might
care to take the road, and make the proposed extension to the works
of the Mississippi Steel Company."

"Mississippi Steel!" exclaimed Hegan. He had evidently heard of
that.

"How long ago did you say it was that this plan was looked into?" he
asked. And Montague told him the story of the survey, and what he
himself had heard about it.

"That sounds curious," said Hegan, and bent his brows, evidently in
deep thought. "I will look into the matter," he said, finally. "I
have no plans of my own that would take me into that neighbourhood,
but it may be possible that I can think of someone who would be
interested. Have you any idea what your client wants for the
thousand shares?"

"My client has put the matter into my hands," he answered. "The
matter was only broached to me this morning, and I shall have to
look further into the condition of the road. I should advise her to
accept a fair offer--say seventy-five per cent of the par value of
the stock."

"We can talk about that later," said Hegan, "if I can find the man
for you." And Montague shook hands with him and left.