good executive, and it is largely
on account of non-imaginative qualities that the latter is the safer
man. I would like to assure you," he concluded with evident respect,
"that we have never experienced more difficulty in making a suggestion.
The case is extraordinary--we realize that."

"What Weatherby has in his head," added Ardswell, "is that you have
done what neither of us could ever have done, and he thinks it a waste
of valuable material to try and make an executive out--"

"Out of me," interrupted Clark. "You may be quite right." He had
expected to feel alone, but the direct simplicity of these men appealed
to him. It was not always, he reflected, that he was given an
unprejudiced opinion, and he felt the safer since now he got it.

"We believe that we are right," it was Weatherby who spoke, "and are
prepared to assume that responsibility. Like you, we have shareholders
to think of, and we feel that yours will not get any better offer. We
know the financial world fairly well."

Clark listened tensely. He was aware that the interests represented by
these two were of enormous influence and wealth. He realized, also,
that instead of all this discussion, Wimperley might simply have
notified him that he was discharged, and that the new interests would
now take over. But Wimperley had done nothing of the kind.

"One week in Philadelphia taught us much, but we have learned a great
deal more up here," continued Weatherby, "and it depended really on the
past three days whether we would make a proposal or not. From what we
have seen and what you have told us, we are satisfied. I might say
that your directors have already agreed to the reduction of capital,
provided the matter of management is settled. So the future lies
entirely with you. Your holdings in common stock are so large that it
is essential you give your formal assent."

Clark drew a long breath. He had come to the fork in the road. The
labors of seven years rolled suddenly over his brain and engulfed it.
Here were two men who drank his wine, then asked him to leave his very
soul to others.

"Gentlemen," he said slowly, "thank you for what you have said--but I
can't give you an answer at once."

"There's no hurry," replied Ardswell. "It's not a case for a snap
decision."

Through Clark's mind ran a quizzical idea that these two understood
each other admirably, and he wondered how things would have turned out
had he himself been one