As usual Roberts wasted no preface.
“The suggestion is merely in line with what I said before. In so many words, it’s to throw up this place of yours in the University and get into business. You’ll come into contact with realities that way and realities are eternally opposed to—cobwebs. You’ll be happier and more contented, I’m positive, once you get adjusted.” He gave his listener a keen look. “I’ve got an opening in mind right now. Say the word and I’ll have the place ready for you the day they appoint your successor in the University. Do you care to consider it?”
“Consider, yes, certainly.” Armstrong had lit a pipe and puffed at it shortly. “It’s white of you too to offer it. I know it’s a good thing or you wouldn’t make the suggestion.”
“It’s not as good as Graham’s offer,” refuted the other evenly, “places like that don’t dangle 98 loose every day; but it will pay you better than a university chair, and it offers possibilities—you anticipate probably,—it’s in connection with the new electric line. Between ourselves, Armstrong, this system is going to be a big thing when it’s complete. This is a straight tip. I happen to be in a position to know. I also happen to be in position to put you very near the basement, providing you wish to come in with us unhampered.” The voice halted meaningly. “That’s all I’m at liberty to say now, until you are really in and prove unmistakably—I’ll have several things more to tell you then.”
“Don’t misunderstand me, Darley,” he said slowly, “or take offence, please; but—but, to scrape off the veneer, you don’t trust me very far even yet, do you?”
There was a moment of silence, time for second thought.
“I can’t misunderstand what you mean,” said Roberts; “but unfortunately there are others besides yourself for me to consider.” The voice was patient, unnaturally so. “I’ve already talked more than I should.”
“If I accepted,” unobservant, Armstrong’s mind was running on in its own channel, “the place you mean would take my entire time. In 99 a way it would be like Graham’s offer. I’d be compelled—you catch the idea, don’t you?”
“Yes.” This time the other did not amplify.
“You know why I refused that proposition before. We beat the brush pretty thoroughly at that time.” It was declination involved, but declination nevertheless unmistakable. “It’s a rocky road I’m on, and with occasional mudholes such as—well—such as I fell into to-night; but somehow I can’t leave it. I won’t try to defend it this time. I’m not in the mood. But when it comes to breaking free, taking a new trail—I simply can’t do it, can’t!”