"I hold twenty thousand shares; and if I sell out, that company will bust up."
"I do not say so much. I say that if you sell out gradually you take advantage of the premium, and the company is left exactly where it was before you joined, to stand or fall upon its merits. But if you will sell your shares without concert with our colleagues in these companies you are in, we shall be very properly called black sheep."
"Then, Mr. Cassilis," said Gilead, "in God's name, let us have done with companies."
"Very well; as you please. You have only to give me a power of attorney, and I will dispose of all your shares in the best way possible for your interests. Will you give me that power of attorney?"
"Sir, I am deeply obliged to you for all the trouble you are taking."
"A power of attorney conveys large powers. It will put into my hands the management of your great revenues. This is not a thing to be done in a moment. Think well, Mr. Beck, before you sign such a document."
"I have thought, sir," said Gilead, "and I will sign it with gratitude."
"In that case, I will have the document—it is only a printed form, filled up and sent on to you for signature immediately."
"Thank you, Mr. Cassilis."
"And as for the shares in the various companies which you have acquired by my advice, I will, if you please, take them all over one with another at the price you gave for them, without considering which have gone up and which down."