“That’s the way I want to do it,” I said.
“But have you considered the possibility of going to a bank, Mr. Fischler, and—”
“I’ve made my proposition,” I said.
“I understand. But, Mr. Fischler, the situation is this. Our board of directors have to be scrupulously fair. They have other investors to consider. Many persons have bought—”
“You heard my proposition,” I said. “You’ve used up your time allowance. I’m familiar with what you have to offer. I don’t want to waste time in an argument.”
“How big a block of stock would you want to tie up in that option?”
“In thirty days,” I said, “I’m going to have a hundred thousand dollars to invest. I’m not going to put all of my eggs in one basket. Fifty thousand dollars is the limit I’ll put in your company. I’ll put up five hundred dollars now to show my good faith, and I want you to tie up a block of stock which, selling at present prices, will be what I can buy for fifty thousand dollars.”
“I’ll see what I can do, but would it be possible for you to consider—”
“No,” I interrupted, and got up out of my chair. “I’m a busy man, Mr. Rich.”
“I understand, but please remember that I am here offering you a sincere service. The minutes which you have so generously given me will bear you golden dividends out of all proportion—”