Harry cut him short in a peremptory but good-natured fashion.
"How's business with you?" he asked.
"Might be worse, Mr Tristram. I don't complain. We're a young firm, and we don't command the opportunities that others do." He laughed as he added, "You couldn't recommend me to a gentleman with ten thousand pounds to spare, could you, Mr Tristram?"
"I know just the man. What's it for?"
"No, no. Principals only," said Sloyd with a shake of his head.
"How does one become a principal then? I'll walk your way a bit." Harry lit a cigar; Sloyd became more erect and amended the position of his hat; he hoped that a good many people would recognize Harry. Yet social pride did not interfere with business wariness.
"Are you in earnest, Mr Tristram? It's a safe thing."
"Oh, no, it isn't, or you wouldn't be hunting for ten thousand on the pavement of Berkeley Square."
"I'll trust you," Sloyd declared. Harry nodded thanks, inwardly amused at the obvious effort which attended the concession. "If you don't come in, you'll not give it away?" Again Harry nodded. "It's a big chance, but we haven't got the money to take it, and unless we can take it we shall have to sell our rights. It's an option on land. I secured it, but it's out in a week. Before then we must table twenty thousand. And ten cleans us out."