"Though I'm not a business man, it seems to me that capital put into shafts and reducing plant stands a fair chance of being productive. That spent in starting the concern is largely wasted."
"We are spending less than usual. May I ask what your idea of the object of floating a company is?"
"Mine would be the expectation of getting a good dividend on the stock I took in it."
Leonard looked amused.
"Excellent, so far as it goes; but there's sometimes a little more than that."
Andrew sat silent a while. Then he said:
"I gather that this new scheme will be subscribed for because Allinson's guarantees it."
"It's impossible to guarantee a mining scheme, but, in a sense, you're right. The firm's name will count."
"Well," said Andrew, "I'd like to go to Canada and take some share in starting things—you see, I know the country. Then, as I suppose some of my money will be put into the business, you might, perhaps, make me a director. I'd be of no use in London, but I might do something in Canada."
Leonard was surprised, but the suggestion pleased him. The name of Andrew Allinson would have its influence on investors.