Lisle’s eyes gleamed with an amusement that was stronger than his indignation. That Gladwyne should expect this gravely delivered decision to have any marked effect tickled him.
“Well,” he replied, “I’m ready to stand by what I said, and I’ll add that if I had any shares I’d give them away to anybody who would register as their owner before the next call is made.”
“I understood there wouldn’t be a call for a long while,” Crestwick broke in.
“Then whoever told you so must have been misinformed,” Lisle rejoined.
“Are you casting any doubt upon my honor?” Batley demanded in a bellicose voice.
“I don’t think so; anyway, so long as you don’t rule out my suggestion. Still, I’m willing to leave Gladwyne to decide the point. He seems to understand these delicate matters.”
Marple, looking distressed and irresolute, broke in before Gladwyne had a chance to reply.
“Do you know much about mining, Lisle?”
Lisle laughed.
“I’ve had opportunities for learning something, as prospector, locator of alluvial claims and holder of an interest in one or two comparatively prosperous companies.”