"

"You're not flattering. Do you suppose I'd pay five thousand pounds to
see my nephew wronged?"

"I believe you might do so to save your son."

Challoner, who wished to lead the man on and learn something about his
plans, made a negative sign.

"Out of the question."

"Then I'll make you an alternative offer, and it's worth considering.
Take, or get your friends to subscribe for, ten thousand pounds worth
of shares in a commercial syndicate I'm getting up, and you'll never
regret it. If you wish, I'll make you a director so you can satisfy
yourself that the money will be wisely spent. You'll get it back
several times over."

Challoner laughed. "This is to salve my feelings; to make the thing
look like a business transaction?"

"No," said Clarke, leaning forward and speaking eagerly. "It's a
genuine offer, and I'll ask your attention for a minute or two.
Canada's an undeveloped country; we have scarcely begun to tap its
natural resources, and there's wealth ready for exploitation all over
it. We roughly know the extent of the farming land and the value of
the timber, but the minerals still to a large extent await discovery,
while perhaps the most readily and profitably handled product is oil.
Now I know a belt of country where it's oozing from the soil and with
ten thousand pounds I'll engage to bore wells that will give a
remarkable yield."

His manner was impressive, and though Challoner had no cause to trust
him he thought the man sincere.

"One understands that in Canada all natural commodities belong to the
State and any person discovering them can work them on certain terms.
It seems to follow that if your knowledge of the locality is worth
anything, it must belong to you alone. How is it that nobody else
suspects the belt contains oil?"

"A shrewd objection, but easily answered. The country in question is
one of the most rugged tracts in Canada, difficult to get through in
summer, while the man who enters it in winter runs a serious risk. Now
I'll allow that what you know about me is not likely to prejudice you
in my favour, but on your promise to keep it secret I'll give you
information that must convince you."

"Why don't you make your offer to some company floater or stockjobber?"

Clarke smiled in a pointed manner. "Because I've a damaging record and
no friends to vouch for me. I came here because I felt I had some
claim on you."

"You were mistaken," said Challoner drily.

"He