"When you reach this knowledge, Phillis, be sure that the Coping-stone is not far-off."
CHAPTER XXVIII.
"Non possidentem multa vocaveris
Recte beatum."
The manner in which Mr. Cassilis conveyed his advice, or rather instructions, to Gilead Beck inspired the American with a blind confidence. He spoke slowly, grimly, and with deliberation. He spoke as one who knew. Most men speak as those who only half know, like the Frenchman who said, "Ce que je sais, je le sais mal; ce que j'ignore, je l'ignore parfaitement."
Mr. Cassilis weighed each word. While he spoke his eyes sought those of his friend, and looked straight in them, not defiantly, but meditatively. He brought Mr. Beck bills, which he made him accept; and he brought prospectuses, in which the American, finding they were English schemes, invested money at his adviser's suggestion.
"You have now," said Mr. Cassilis, "a very large sum invested in different companies; you must consider now how long to hold the shares—when to sell out in fact."
"Can't I sell my shares at once, if I please?"
"You certainly can, and so ruin the companies. Consider my undertaking to my friends on the allotment committees."
"Yes, sir."