“Like myself, you are practical men—you want facts and figures, and when you invest your money you want to be more than reasonably sure of its return. Gentlemen, I have in the hands of a printer a prospectus giving the values of the ground per cubic yard, and from this data I have conservatively, very conservatively, calculated the profits which we might reasonably anticipate. You will be startled, amazed, bewildered by the magnitude of the returns upon the investment which I am giving you the opportunity to make.
“I shall say no more at present, gentlemen, but when my prospectus is off the press I shall place it in your hands—”
“Gemman to see you, suh.”
“I’m engaged.”
“Said it was important.” The bell boy lingered.
Sprudell frowned.
“Did he give no name?”
“Yes, suh; he said to tell you Burt—Bruce Burt.”
Sprudell grew a curious, chalky white and stood quite still. He felt his color going and turned quickly lest it be observed.
Apologetically, to his guests: