We shall give you your price,
of course, although I expect you paid much more for it than we
should have done. Still, we must give you what you paid, and
four per cent interest for your money."
"I am sorry," Tavernake replied, "but I am afraid that I should
require better terms than that. In fact," he continued, "I do
not wish to sell. I have given a great deal of thought and time
to this matter, and I intend to carry it out as a personal
speculation."
"Then you will carry it out, sir, from some other place than from
within the walls of my office," Mr. Dowling declared, furiously.
"You understand that, Tavernake?"
"Perfectly," Tavernake answered. "You wish me to leave you. It
is very unwise of you to suggest it, but I am quite prepared to
go."
"You will either resell me those plots at cost price, or you
shall not set foot within the office again," Mr. Dowling
insisted. "It is a gross breach of faith, this. I never heard
of such a thing in all my life. Most unprofessional, impossible
behavior!"
Tavernake showed no signs of anger--he simply turned a little
away.
"I shall not sell you my land, Mr. Dowling," he said, "and it
will suit me very well to leave your employ. You appear," he
continued, "to expect some one else to do the whole of the work
for you while you reap the entire profits. Those days have gone
by. My business in the world is to make a fortune for myself,
and not for you!"
"How dare you, sir!" Mr.
Pages:
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126