“I shouldn’t trouble you, Mr. Griffin,” he said, sitting back with an assumption of ease, while the Squire from his old leather chair observed him warily, “except on a matter of importance. You will have heard that there is a scheme on foot to increase the value of the woollen industry by introducing a steam railroad. This is a new invention which, I admit, has not yet been proved, but I have examined it as a business man, and I think that much is to be expected from it. A limited company is being formed to carry out the plan, if it prove to be feasible. Sir Charles Woosenham has agreed to be Chairman, Mr. Acherley and other gentlemen of the county are taking part, and I am commissioned by them to approach you. I have the plans here——”
“What do you want?” The Squire’s tone was uncompromising. He made no movement towards taking the plans.
“If you will allow me to explain?”
The old man sat back in his chair.
“The railroad will be a continuation of the Birmingham and Aldersbury railroad, which is in strong hands at Birmingham. Such a scheme would be too large for us. That, again, is a continuation of the London and Birmingham railroad.”
“Built?”
“Oh no. Not yet, of course.”
“Begun, then?”
“No, but——”
“Projected?”