"
It was the Broker's turn to make a little acknowledging bow.
His eyes gleamed frank satisfaction at being so well understood.
"I think I see the way that more money can be made out
of the Company," he said, abruptly changing the subject.
"I've had but a few words with Rostocker about it--but
it's clear to me that he has a plan. He will be coming
to you with a proposition."
"Well, he won't find me, then," interposed Thorpe,
with a comfortable smile. "I leave all that to you."
"I suspect that his plan," continued Semple, "is to make
a sub-rosa offer of a few shillings for the majority
of the shares, and reconstitute the Board, and then form
another Company to buy the property and good-will of the old
one at a handsome price. Now if that would be a good thing
for him to do, it would be a good thing for me to do.
I shall go over it all carefully, in detail, this evening.
And I suppose, if I see my way clear before me, than I
may rely upon your good feeling in the matter. I would
do all the work and assume all the risk, and, let us say,
divide any profits equally--you in turn giving me
a free hand with all your shares, and your influence
with the Directors."
"I'll do better still," Thorpe told him, upon brief reflection.
"Reconstitute the Board and make Lord Plowden Chairman,--I
don't imagine the Marquis would have the nerve to go on
with it,--and I'll make a free gift of my shares to you
two--half and half.
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