"Did this affair also require the expenditure of sixty thousand dollars?"
"No, of course not. Didn't I say so before?"
"How much did it need—if I may ask?"
Bostwick colored. He could not escape. He dared not even hint at the sum he had employed.
"Oh, just the bare expenses of the survey—nothing much."
"Then," she said, "if you don't mind returning my thirty thousand dollars, I think I'll relinquish my share."
He rose hurriedly.
"But I—but you—it won't be possible—just yet," he stammered. "This is perfectly absurd! I want you in—want you to retain your interest. There are certain development expenses—and—they can't be handled without considerable money."
"Why not use your own? I much prefer to withdraw." She said it calmly, and looked him in the eye.
He avoided her glance, and paced up and down the room.