h made, any materials we
need I have authority to procure from our Long Island plant. There is
to be no stint as to expense. The enterprise is to be carried through
to the finish properly."

Robert Morton gasped.

"I had no idea Mr. Galbraith meant to go into it to such lengths," he
murmured.

"Oh, Mr. Galbraith never does things by halves when once he is
interested," was the reply. "Besides, he has a hunter's scent for the
commercial. He says there is a live idea here that has money in it,
and that's enough for him. Anyway, whether there is or not," Snelling
added hurriedly, "we are to humor the old gentleman's whims and get his
idea so he can handle it."

"It is tremendously generous of Mr. Galbraith."

Howard Snelling regarded his companion quizzically for a moment, then
remarked with gravity:

"Oh, there is a kind heart in Mr. Galbraith, in spite of all his
business instincts."

"Had you ever met the rest of the family before now?" questioned Bob
more with a desire to turn the channel of conversation than because he
had any interest in the matter.

The inquiry, idly made, produced an unexpected result, visibly throwing
the expert out of his imperturbable composure; he flushed, stammered,
and bit his lip before he successfully conquered his confusion:

"I--eh--oh, yes," was his reply. "I've been a dinner guest at the New
York house several times; been sent for on a pinch to help out. Then
Mr. Galbraith summons me there occasionally for consultation on
business matters. The Belleport place is attractive, isn't it?"

"It's corking!"

"I suppose you spend a lot of time over there," ventured Snelling,
lighting a gold-tipped Egyptian cigarette and offering Bob one.

Something in the question, he could not have told what, caused Robert
Morton to dart a quick, furtive glance at the speaker.

Mr. Snelling was smoking and blowing indifferently into the air filmy
rings of smoke, but through it the disconcerted young man encountered
his penetrating gaze.

"I don't get over there very often," said Bob. "This invention keeps
me rather busy."

"Of course, of course!" was the cordial response. "And now as to our
policy on this deal. I shall follow your lead, understand. Any
assertion you see fit to make you can trust me to swear to. You may
introduce me to the old chap as your college pal, even your long-lost
brother, if you choose."

"I hardly think that will be necessary," Robert Morton answered