Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/39

Rh We drank them, thoughtfully, and then he said: "I see how it is; when your friends talk of the directors dividing the spoil, they mean that they are going to unload their holdings and sell the shares they have in the Company."

"I suppose that's it."

"And, of course, the fewer who unload, the better the price they will get."

"That's so."

"Well, you have shown excellent reasons why John Driver should be willing to pay handsomely for the removal of Pudleigh." "Yes; but the nuisance of it is, I can't get an introduction to Honest John Driver. I've tried the three likeliest people I know."

"You've a poor idea of business, Roger," said Chelubai sadly. "You don't need an introduction to a man you can do something for. You can go to him straight and make your offer. If he likes it, he accepts; if he doesn't, he refuses, and no harm is done."

"It's a curious offer to make, you know."

"I don't see it. In business no offers are curious. They are good or bad. This is a good one; and if Driver is really a first-class King of Finance, he will see it at once."

"But I should put myself in his power a good bit I don't want him going about and saying that a rising young barrister came and offered to