"The shares," said Bones soberly. "I've been worrying about the shares."
"Ah, yes," said Mr. de Vinne carelessly. "Why worry about them, dear boy?"
"Well, I thought I might lose the opportunity of buying them. I think
there's something to be made out of that property. In fact," said
Bones emphatically, "I'm pretty certain I could make a lot of money if
I had control."
"I agree with you," said the earnest Mr. de Vinne.
"Now the point is," said Bones, "I've been studying that list of yours, and it seems to me that the majority of the two hundred and fifty thousand shares issued are either held by you or by one of the Poles—jolly old Joe or jolly old Fred, I don't know which."
"Jolly old Fred," said Mr. de Vinne gravely.
"Now, if there's one person I don't want to meet to-night, or to-morrow, or any other day," said Bones, "it's Pole."
"There's no need for you to meet him," smiled de Vinne.
"In fact," said Bones, with sudden ferocity, "I absolutely refuse to buy any shares from Fred. I'll buy yours, but I will not buy a single one from Fred."
Mr. De Vinne thought rapidly.