"Certainly. They seem to be genuine enough as far as I can see."
"But are they otherwise any good?"
"I think so. I'll go over each canvas very carefully and give you my opinion for what it's worth. But, for Heaven's sake, Dankmere, where are we going to put all these canvases?"
"I suppose," said the Earl gloomily, "I'll be obliged to store what you haven't room for. And as I gradually grow poorer and poorer the day will arrive when I can't pay storage; and they'll sell 'em under my nose at auction, Quarren. And first I know the papers will blossom out with: 'A Wonderful Rembrandt discovered in a junk-shop! Ancient picture bought for five dollars and pronounced a gem by experts! Lucky purchaser refuses a hundred thousand dollars cash!'"
Quarren laughed and turned away into the house; and Dankmere followed, gloomily predicting his own approaching financial annihilation.
From his office Quarren telephoned a picture dealer to send men with heavy wire, hooks, ladders and other paraphernalia; then he and Dankmere made their toilets, resumed their coats, and returned to the sunny office to await events.
After a few moments the Earl said abruptly:
"Would you care to go into this venture with me, Quarren?"
"I?" said Quarren, surprised.
"Yes. Will you?"