“Some might be bought, perhaps; but why do you ask? you don’t want to invest?”
“But supposing I did,” with cool self-collectedness, “could you do up the thing for me, and here?”
“Bless my soul,” gazing at him in amaze, “really, you are quite a business man. Positively, I feel afraid of you.”
“Oh, no need of that.—You could sell me some of that stock, then?”
“I don’t know, I don’t know. To be sure, there are a few shares under peculiar circumstances bought in by the Company; but it would hardly be the thing to convert this boat into the Company’s office. I think you had better defer investing. So,” with an indifferent air, “you have seen the unfortunate man I spoke of?”
“Let the unfortunate man go his ways.—What is that large book you have with you?”
“My transfer-book. I am subpoenaed with it to court.”
“Black Rapids Coal Company,” obliquely reading the gilt inscription on the back; “I have heard much of it. Pray do you happen to have with you any statement of the condition of your company.”
“A statement has lately been printed.”
“Pardon me, but I am naturally inquisitive. Have you a copy with you?”