Said Rolandsen, “That means you will lose.”
But Mack, the man of power, was growing more and more offended; he was not accustomed to this sort of thing, and not disposed to put up with it.
“You’re strangely forgetful, young man; you keep on forgetting that you’re in my power,” said he.
“Do as you please. If you lock me up now, my turn will come later, that’s all.”
“What—what will you do then?”
“Ruin you,” said Rolandsen.
Frederik came in. He saw at once that the two had been having words, and it annoyed him that his father did not settle this big-nosed ex-telegraph person out of hand.
Then said Rolandsen aloud, “I will make you an offer: we can take up this invention together. Make the necessary alterations in your factory, and I’ll take over the management there. That’s my offer—and it holds good for twenty-four hours!”
Whereupon Rolandsen strode out, leaving the telegrams with Mack.