“Oh, Mr. Edson!” exclaimed Tom, “I am afraid you rate me too highly.”
“Not at all. You have got sense, patience, and you want to learn. As you know, my starting the station here was a private enterprise, but it was no idle fad. I expected to work something practicable and profitable out of it. You can carry on the work.”
“Why are you giving it up, sir, if I may ask?”
“I received a letter only an hour since, with an unexpected offer of a very fine position with one of the operating wireless companies in Canada. They expect me at a conference in New York City Friday, and I do not doubt that I shall close an engagement with them. As I have told you, I have very little capital. In fact, about all my surplus has been invested in the station here.”
Ben was looking around the place with his usual devouring glance. Tom felt that some important disclosure was about to be made and was duly impressed.
“There is a good chance for a live young fellow in a business that can send a message hundreds of miles in a few seconds,” continued Mr. Edson. “The business is now only in its infancy, and those who get in first have the best chance. The only hope here of the international circuit is to make a killing.”
“What do you mean by a killing, Mr. Edson?” inquired the big-eyed, interested Ben.
“Catching a stray message and making a home shot with it. The fellow who saved an ocean liner last week by sending help quick, just when needed, got more pay in one hour than many people earn in a lifetime. Now then, Tom, as to my proposition.”
“Yes, sir,” nodded Tom, eagerly.
“I want you to buy me out.”