Mr. Robert smiles skeptical. "Really?" says he. "Perhaps you would like to present a minority report?"
"Nothin' less," says I. "Oh, it may listen like a joke, but that's just what I got in mind."
"H-m-m-m!" says Mr. Robert. "You realize that Briscoe is one of the leading mining authorities in the country, I suppose, and that we pay him a large salary as consulting engineer?"
I nods. "I know," says I. "And the nearest I ever got to seein' a mine was watchin' 'em excavate for the subway. I'm admittin' all that."
"I may add too," goes on Mr. Robert, "that he has a way of stating his opinions quite convincingly."
"Yep," says I, "I should judge that. But if I think he's bilkin' you on this, is it my play to sit behind and chew my tongue?"
"By Jove!" says Mr. Robert, his sportin' instincts comin' to the top. "You shall have your chance, Torchy. The directors shall hear your views; to-morrow, at two-thirty. You will follow Briscoe."
"Let's not bill it ahead, then," says I, "if it'll be fair to spring it on him."
"Quite," says Mr. Robert; "and rather more amusing, I fancy. I will arrange it."
"I'd like to have old Rowley on the side lines, in case I get stuck," says I.