"It means that we want to save our money," Gardner replied, and Stormont, who said nothing, walked out of the room.
His friends seemed relieved when he left and began to talk to Agatha and George in apologetic tones. One or two, however, looked thoughtful, and presently Gardner said: "Mr. Thirlwell has removed the obstacle that bothered us most and I mean to keep my stock, although I expect it will be some time before I get a dividend."
"Not as long as you think!" Thirlwell remarked.
"Then you have something to tell us?" said another.
"Not yet; I'll make a full report at the shareholders' meeting. In the meantime, do you think Stormont will sell out?"
"It's possible," said Gardner. "He wanted control. We knew that, but backed him because it seemed the safest plan. I guess he knows he's beaten."
"Then if he offers you his stock, you had better buy," said Thirlwell, smiling.
Gardner looked hard at him, and nodded. "I can take a hint. What you say goes."
After this the party broke up and Scott gently pushed George out when he saw that Agatha was waiting while Thirlwell picked up some papers he had got from the secretary. When the others had gone, she gave him her hand and her face flushed.
"I wonder whether you know how much you have helped?"