Mr Jabez paused, and took a pinch of snuff.
“Do, sir, I’d—I’d—I’ll tell you what I’d do. I’d take a partner who had money.”
Hallett shook his head sadly.
“Who would advance money to such a dreamer as I am?” he said sadly.
“Lots of people, as soon as they saw money in it.”
Hallett shook his head.
“You take a very sanguine view of the matter, Mr Rowle.”
“Not half so sanguine as you, sir. Why, you must have spent years of labour, and a great deal of money, over that model.”
“I have,” said Hallett sadly.
“Then don’t call me sanguine,” cried Mr Jabez, flying to his snuff-box again. “I ask, here, Hallett, how much would it take to produce that thing, patent it, and the rest of it?”