“Too bad!” exclaimed Ben.
“Well, it can’t be helped,” said Tom philosophically. “I’ll just have to start in a more modest way. Mr. Edson is poor, and has got to realize right off from his investment here, he wrote me. Just think of it,” added Tom, gazing about the room with longing enthusiastic eyes, “we’ve got to give it all up, maybe the chance of a lifetime, because we can’t raise the money.”
“How much do you need?” challenged a sharp voice suddenly, bringing both boys to their feet with a shock.
[CHAPTER X—A YOUNG CAPITALIST]
Harry Ashley stuck his head up through the trap opening, and climbed into the room with the announcement:
“Overheard what you said, so—how much do you want?”
Tom only smiled. The idea of a money offer from Harry was amusing. Ben assumed a mock gravity of manner with the words:
“Give us a check right on the spot, I suppose?”
“About that, if you don’t want too much,” answered Harry seriously.
“We won’t call on you just yet, Harry,” said Tom. “What about Mr. Barton?”