“True,” said Mr. Stewart, with a dubious smile, which, however, encouraged the promoter to remark further—
“The labourer is worthy of his hire.”
“Humph! that depends,” observed Mr. Stewart.
“On what?” asked Mr. Black.
“On how much work the labourer does, and on the extent of his hire.”
“Oh!” murmured the promoter.
“Your hire has not been excessive, as hire goes,” went on Mr. Stewart, “so far; but I think you have run about the length of your just tether. I suppose, Mr. Black, you are now satisfied, and mean for the future to rest content, with your extremely moderate supply of paid-up shares?”
“Did you think I was going to give the public this company?” demanded the promoter.
“If I had ever entertained such an idea—which I never did—you would speedily have disabused me of it,” answered Mr. Stewart; “but the point on which I now desire information is this: Are you going to be content with your promoter’s fees, with your shares, with your profits on the Stangate mills, with your commission on printing, advertising, travelling, and the Lord knows what besides, or are you not?”
“I desire to make no further claim,” answered Mr. Black.