before we go to the public we have already one-third of the shares taken up. That being so, I feel no doubt that we shall start at a premium before we cut the first sod.” 

 There followed a movement of feet, an outburst of hilarity. For this was what they all wished to hear; this was the point. Chairs were pushed back, and Sir Charles, who was as fearful for his prestige as Grounds for his money, recovered his cheerfulness. Even Acherley became good-humored. “Well, here’s to the Valleys Railroad!” he cried. “Damme, we ought to have something to drink it in!” 

 The banker ignored this, and Sir Charles spoke. “But as to the seventh seat at the Board? We have not arranged that, I think?” He liked to show that nothing escaped him, and that if he was above business he could still, when he condescended, be a business man. 

 “No,” Ovington agreed. “But I suggest that, with your permission, we hold that over. There may be a big subscriber taking three or four hundred shares?” 

 “Quite so, quite so.” 

 “Somebody may come forward, and the larger the applications the higher the premium, gentlemen.” 

 Again eyes glistened, and there was a new movement. Woosenham took his leave, bowing to Wolley and Grounds, and shaking hands with the others. Acherley went with him and Ovington accompanied them, bare-headed, to Sir Charles’s carriage, which was waiting before the bank. As he returned Wolley waylaid him and drew him into a corner. A conference took place, the banker turning the money in his fob as he listened, his face grave. Presently the clothier entered on a second explanation. In the end Ovington nodded. He called Rodd from the counter and gave an order. He left his customer in the bank. 

 When he re-entered the parlor Grounds had disappeared, and Arthur, who was bending over his papers, looked up. “Wolley wanted his notes renewed, I suppose?” he said. The bank had few secrets for this shrewd young man, who had learnt as much of business in eighteen months as Rodd the cashier had learned in ten years, or as Clement Ovington would learn in twenty. 

 The banker nodded. “And three hundred more on his standing loan.” 

 Arthur whistled. “I wonder you go on carrying him, sir.” 

 “If I cut him loose now——” 

 “There would be a loss, of 

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