nely
interested in his proposition, whether spontaneous or not. He began
walking up and down the room, working out his idea with that grasp of
detail that had made him the millionaire he was.

"You could have the instruments and a private wire fixed up along the
wall there, and your sofa by them. A clerk over there: it would be a
sort of companion. You've plenty of capital to start with, and
wouldn't have to lose your head at the first wrong deal. Of course
you'd want someone the other end, a figurehead and mouthpiece, and
someone to show you the lines, start you off; I'd be pleased to do it.
We could make a partnership concern of it, if you liked."

There was a quick sidelong glint in his eyes towards Aymer as he came
to a stand near the sofa.

"What particular results would you expect?" inquired Aymer, knowing
the only plan to keep the enthusiast at bay was to humour him.

"Why, man, you might be the greatest power in the world--you--the
unseen, unknown, mysterious Brain--you would have time--you would
escape the crazy influences that ruin half the men 'on 'Change'--and
you've got the head for it. Calculation, nerve, everything. It would
be just the thing for you. You'd forget all about not being able to
walk in a week. I wonder why none of us have thought of it before."

"I'm getting used to it after twelve years," said Aymer, with shut
teeth; "the objection to your scheme is that I do not happen to want
money."

"Power, power, man," cried the other impatiently. "Money is just
metal, its value lies in the grip it gives you over other men, and if
you don't even care for that, there's the joy of chancing it. And you
were a born gambler, Aymer, you can't deny that," he laughed heartily,
but also again came the quick sidelong glint of his eyes. "Think of
it, old fellow," he said carelessly, dropping his enthusiastic tone,
"it would be a good deal better for you than doing nothing. It's such
wicked waste."

For the first time Aymer winced.

"I'll think of it, and let you know if it's likely to be entertained.
I have the boy, you know; that gives me something to do."

"Poof! Let him bring himself up if you want to make a successful man
of him. The more he educates himself, the better he'll get on. If you
do it, you'll make him soft. _I_ know! Public School: University:
Examinations, and L200 a year if he's lucky. That's your education!
All very well if you are born with a golden spoon in your mouth
and can affo