"You needn't be astonished. There's not very much goes on in the city that I don't hear about you know how men talk business here, and it's interesting to look on, even when one can't actually take a hand in the game. It's said that the watchers sometimes see the most of it."
"To tell the truth, it's the uncertainty as to what those two men might do that has chiefly been worrying me."
"Of course. I believe that I understand the position—they've been hanging fire, haven't they? But I've reasons for believing they'll come to a decision before very long."
Vane looked troubled.
"That's interesting, but I ought to warn you that your brother—"
Jessy stopped him with a smile.
"I've no intention of giving him away; and, as a matter of fact, I think you are a little prejudiced against him. After all, he's not your greatest danger. There's a cabal against you among your shareholders."
The man knit his brows, but she knew by the way he looked at her that he admired her acumen.
"Yes," he responded; "I've suspected that."
"There are two courses open to you—the first is to put off your expedition."