"I mean just what I have said, take my word for it, sir," retorted the boatbuilder. "We do not intend to look to you for any money that we need. That is final, and, therefore, that is all."
"All this change of front because of these wretched boys?" demanded
George Melville, incredulously.
"Partly on account of your attitude toward these boys," admitted Mr. Farnum, "and also because Pollard and I now realize that you had intended to wrest control of this business from us."
"You're losing your senses," Stormed the capitalist, angrily. "Unless you at once come to a realization of it, all we can do is to wish you good morning."
Mr. Farnum bowed, silently, then moved toward the office door, opening it.
"Come on, gentlemen," cried Melville, stiffly, turning toward his own friends.
In silence the members of that group started across the floor. Mr.
Farnum, surveying them inscrutably, still held the door open.
"This is dramatic—and suicidal," said Mr. Melville, haughtily.
"You take it too seriously," replied the boatbuilder, with a slight smile. "It is only good morning."
"You're a fool, Farnum!" came the answer as Mr. Melville, in a rage, halted just inside the door. "And I warn you that, if we leave here, now, we shall not return, no matter how changed your attitude may become later. Have you any answer to that, sir?"