Dowling declared, "is
a perfect genius at discovering these desirable sites. This one
I honestly consider to be the find of our lifetime. We have
now," he proceeded, turning to Mr. Belton, "certain information
that the cars will run to whatever point we desire in this
vicinity, and the Metropolitan Railway has also arranged for an
extension of its system. To-morrow I propose," Mr. Dowling
continued, holding the sides of his coat and assuming a somewhat
pompous manner, "to make an offer for the whole of this site. It
will involve a very large sum of money indeed, but I am convinced
that it will be a remunerative speculation."
Tavernake remained grimly silent. This was scarcely the time or
the place which he would have selected for an explanation with
his employer. There were signs, however, that the thing was to
be forced upon him.
"I am very pleased indeed to meet you here, Tavernake," Mr.
Dowling went on, "pleased both for personal reasons and because
it shows, if I may be allowed to say so, the interest which you
take in the firm's business, that you should devote your holiday
to coming and--er--surveying the scene of our exploits, so to
speak. Perhaps now that you are here you would be able to
explain to Mr. Belton better than I should, just what it is that
we propose."
Tavernake hesitated for a moment. Finally, however, he proceeded
to make clear a very elaborate and carefully thought out building
scheme, to which both men listened with much attention.
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