Page:Clement Fezandié - Through the Earth.djvu/48

28 who furnish the funds will have a fair prospect of reaping a rich reward. No, sir, there is no lack of free capital in the world, and our business men are sufficiently enterprising to risk it gladly in a work of this sort."

"Well, I suppose you know your own affairs best," observed Mr. Curtis, unconvinced.

"I ought to," said Dr. Giles;" and that reminds me that if I wish to carry this undertaking through successfully, I shall have to lose no time, but set about it at once. Consequently I shall be obliged to leave you both for the present."

"Dr. Giles," said Flora, coming closer to her friend, "how long do you think it will take you to make your tunnel through the earth?"

"It will probably take several years, under the most favorable circumstances," replied the doctor, smiling. "It will be very slow work at the best, and there are many difficulties to be overcome. Perhaps I may even find the undertaking beyond my powers and be obliged to give it up in despair."

"Oh, no," said Flora, looking up at him brightly; "I feel sure that, if you once start in, you will keep straight on, and not give up until you have your tunnel finished. I never knew you yet to fail when you set out to do anything."