“Hold your horses,” said he at last. “I don't know anything about this business, but I can see a few things. In the first place, close figuring will probably add a few cents to that dollar. And then, of course, all our improvements will be absolutely valueless to anybody after we've got through using them. You said yesterday they'd probably stand us in seventy-five thousand dollars. Even at a dollar profit, we'd have to drive seventy-five million before we got a cent back. And, of course, we've got to agree to drive for a little less than they could themselves.”
“That's so,” agreed Orde, his crest falling.
“However,” said Newmark briskly, as he arose, “there's good money in it, as you say. Now, how soon can you leave Daly?”
“By the middle of the week we ought to be through with this job.”
“That's good. Then we'll go into this matter of expense thoroughly, and establish our schedule of rates to submit to the different firms.”
Newmark said a punctilious farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Orde.
“By the way,” said Orde to him at the gate, “where are you staying?”
“At the Grand.”
“I know most of the people here—all the young folks. I'd be glad to take you around and get you acquainted.”
“Thank you,” replied Newmark, “you are very kind. But I don't go in much for that sort of thing, and I expect to be very busy now on this new matter; so I won't trouble you.”