He drew an envelope from his breast pocket, took out the letter inside, and spread it out on his knee.
“From a fellow I knew down in Nicaragua,” he observed. “He’s got a deal on there. Wants me to come in with him. Where is it? Here! ‘Your experience will be better than capital,’ he says. ‘I’ll put up the money and you’ll do the work.’ He says—”
“What are you talking about?” Wick[Pg 547]ham interrupted impatiently. “You can’t go down there. Now look here, Charley! I saw Carrick again to-day, and he’s willing to take you in there. It’s a remarkable opportunity.”
“Yes, but I—”
“Don’t belittle yourself!” said Wickham. “You’ve got certain qualities that ’ll be mighty useful to him. You’ve got brains, Charley—although you don’t like to use ’em. I’ve been after Carrick for the last ten days, and at last I’ve made him see the point. He wants to meet you to-morrow, and then we’ll make a definite arrangement.”
“Yes, but—” objected Charley. “I see; but—I think this Nicaragua job would suit me better, Wick.”
“Don’t be such a fool!” cried Wickham. “You know damned well that that climate would kill you in a year; and here I’m offering you a chance any other man would give his ears for!”
“Yes, I know,” said Charles. “Very good of you, Wick. I appreciate it; but—”
Wickham sprang to his feet, shaken with a terrible anger.
“You fool!” he shouted. “After I’ve—” He stopped suddenly, and stood there visibly making a tremendous effort at self-control; and he won it. “Sorry!” he said. “The truth is, I’m a bit tired. We won’t talk any more about it now, eh? We’ll go along home, and after dinner—”