“You don’t mean that, kid.”
“I do. I leave Liverpool this evening.”
Jim stood up and took his hand.
“I reckon you’ll do,” he said. “But how’s the 96 bank? You wouldn’t like a kind o’ sleeping partner on a fifty-fifty basis, eh?”
Claude shook his head.
“I know what you mean, Jim. But I’ve money enough to get started at something. If ever I get a partner out there, I shall consider myself lucky if he’s half the man you are.”
Jim sighed.
“I wish I was coming too.... You’re sure about the dough? Come, I’d like to invest a little in a real promising proposition. Say five thousand—jest a small interest——”
Claude gripped his hand.
“You’re a real brick, Jim, but it can’t be done. No, I can’t stay to lunch. I’ve got one or two calls to make. Good-bye.”