“Precisely, projected, the plans approved, the Bill in preparation.”
“But nothing done?”
“Nothing actually done as yet,” the banker admitted, somewhat dashed. “But if we wait until these works are finished we shall find ourselves anticipated.
“Ah!”
“We wish, therefore, to be early in the field. Much has appeared in the papers about this mode of transport, and you are doubtless familiar with it. I have myself inquired into it, and the opinion of financial men in London is that these railroads will be very lucrative, paying dividends of from ten to twenty-five per cent.”
The Squire raised his eyebrows.
“I have the plans here,” the banker continued, once more producing them. “Our road runs over the land of six small owners, who have all agreed to the terms offered. It then enters on the Woosenham outlying property, and thence, before reaching Mr. Acherley’s, proceeds over the Garth estate, serving your mills, the tenant of one of which joins our board. If you will look at the plans?” Again Ovington held them out.
But the old man put them aside. “I don’t want to see them,” he said.
“But, Squire, if you would kindly glance——”
“I don’t want to see them. What do you want?”