Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/240

 fasted for half the time, in what condition would they be to repel an invasion? But let us get back to common-sense. Here's the case in a nutshell. I want some rich man to do in private what the Government should do in public, only on a much smaller scale, of course. I want him to build a huge granary, say on the Yorkshire moors, where land is cheap, and fill this granary with American wheat."

"I'm quite willing, if you tell me what to do with the wheat, once I secure it."

"Sell it."

"Oh, I am to become a grain merchant, then? I doubt whether I am qualified to shine in that line."

"My dear Stranleigh, if you would allow me to develop the plan, before you pass judgment upon it, we should save much valuable time. You cannot take up a well-thought-out scheme, and criticise the first detail without knowing anything of what follows."

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Wilmot. Your reproof is merited. I cease to interrupt, and will remain dumb until you have finished."

"Very good. My project settles the invasion question, settles the tariff question, settles the cheap and dear loaf question, settles the