face. There
was a certain amount of fur, it was admitted, but the trapping was
falling off. There were scattered patches of spruce for pulp wood, but
so far as most of them knew the land was poor and rocky and there had
been no discovery of valuable mineral. However, silently concluded
Clark's hearers, the man might know, and probably did know a good deal
more than he said, and just as this opinion was gaining ground, the
speaker struck an inspiring note and came to his point.

"Now for my proposal. I believe in the future of this country, in its
latent wealth and its possibilities, and I am prepared to take on the
town's uncompleted enterprise and assume its one hundred and thirty
thousand dollars of liability. Gentlemen, what I have in mind goes
further than any of you have ever imagined, and it needs more millions
than you have conceived. Millions will be forthcoming. In the
financial markets of the world, capital must be assured of certain
fundamentals. These fundamentals established, there is no difficulty
whatever in securing as much money as may be required. That is my
experience, and if you accept my proposition St. Marys will, within a
year, begin to feel the influx of money which is seeking investment.
Within that year you will hardly be able to recognize your town. Your
property, your houses, your farm products will greatly increase in
value, and local trade will experience a remarkable impetus. If you
ask what are these basic industries which will mean so much, I need
only point out that I am assured of an ample supply of pulp wood for
very large mills which I propose to erect, and there is, without doubt,
iron ore in these hills of yours. This is only a part of my plan."

Again Clark paused, playing with all his power on those who had already
grasped something of his vision. Ore had never been found in that part
of the country, though innumerable prospectors had toiled through the
hills in search of it, but now it seemed that the folk of St. Marys had
cast aside their difference and unbelief, and were becoming
incorporated in the speaker's high assurance. A little murmur of
enthusiasm arose, to be hushed instantly.

"I only want your cooeperation. I do not ask that you put in one
dollar. There is ample money for the purpose, and I tell you frankly
there is no room for yours. It is not my intention to bring in for the
purposes of the work anything the town itself can supply, and the more