mentioned your name to us, Mr. Wharton, before now."

"And he is going out to Guatemala?"

"Oh yes;--he's going out. Has he not told you as much himself?"

"Certainly, sir. And he has told me that he is desirous of buying
certain shares in the Company before he starts."

"Probably, Mr. Wharton."

"Indeed, I believe he cannot go unless he buys them."

"That may be so, Mr. Wharton. No doubt he has told you all that
himself."

"The fact is, Mr. Hartlepod, I am willing, under certain
stipulations, to advance him the money." Mr. Hartlepod bowed. "I
need not trouble you with private affairs between myself and my
son-in-law." Again the Secretary bowed. "But it seems to be for his
interest that he should go."

"A very great opening indeed, Mr. Wharton. I don't see how a man is
to have a better opening. A fine salary! His expenses out paid! One
of the very best things that has come up for many years! And as for
the capital he is to embark in the affair, he is as safe to get 20
per cent. on it,--as safe,--as safe as the Bank of England."

"He'll have the shares?"

"Oh yes;--the scrip will be handed to him at once."

"And,--and--"

"If you mean about the mine, Mr. Wharton, you may take my word that
it's all real. It's not one of those sham things that melt away like
snow and leave the shareholders nowhere. There's the prospectus, Mr.
Wharton. Perhaps you have not seen that before. Take it away and
cast your eye over it at your leisure." Mr. Wharton put the somewhat
lengthy pamphlet into his pocket. "Look at the list of Directors.
We've three members of Parliament, a baronet, and one or two City
names that are as good--as good as the Bank of England. If that
prospectus won't make a man confident I don't know what will. Why,
Mr. Wharton, you don't think that your son-in-law would get those
fifty shares at par unless he was going out as our general local
manager. The shares ain't to be had. It's a large concern as far as
capital goes. You'll see if you look. About a quarter of a million
paid up. But it's all in a box as one may say. It's among ourselves.
The shares ain't in the market. Of course it's not for me to say what
should be done between you and your son-in-law. Lopez is a friend
of mine, and a man I esteem, and all that. Nevertheless I shouldn't
think of advising you to do this or that,--or not to do it. But when
you talk of safety, Mr. Wharton,--why, Mr. Wharton, I don't scruple
to tell you as a man who kno