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Rh person in London I would trust with everything I possess. He's as close-mouthed as the Sphinx, and you may depend upon it that if he can't assist you, he will give no hint, even to his closest friend, of what you say to him. Should you intend to float a company to work your invention, Peter is just the man to undertake that business for you if he will. I can assist you with your invention so far as money is concerned, but when it comes to forming a company, I could not very well help to establish a rival to Mr. Marconi, who is not only a great inventor, but a most charming man personally. Indeed, it would be rather an interesting situation if you and Peter formed a company which Marconi and I were compelled to smash."

"I'm not a fighter," said Marlow, "and it is unlikely that Marconi and I will find much difficulty in coming to terms. I shall be delighted to take Mr. Mackeller into our confidence after so strong a recommendation from you. Indeed, I formed a very high opinion of him when, that other evening at the club, I heard him refuse even to use his influence with you on any terms the financier could offer."

"Then that's all right. Peter is a mining engineer, but he understands every intricacy of company law, and could instruct many a solicitor. He has learned his lesson, not in a lawyer's office, but in the bitter school of experience which the City of London furnishes. Ah, here he is. Good morning, Peter."