you so far," pursued Peter Masters from
the depths of his chair. "We will grant him all credit, but this is
the affair of a business man: it requires capital: it requires
business knowledge: and it requires faith. You will have to go to
someone if you don't come to me, and I'm making you a better offer
than you'll get elsewhere. I'll do more. We'll buy up the other men if
they are dangerous. You can have their experience, too. It's only a
question of investing enough money."

As he stood there in the window Christopher realised it all: how near
his darling project lay to his heart, how great and harassing would be
the difficulties of launching it on the world; how sure success would
be under this man's guidance, and yet how with all his heart and soul
and unreasoning mind he hated the thought of it, and would have found
life itself dear at the purchase of his freedom.

His hands shook a little as he turned, but his voice was quiet and
steady.

"It is very generous of you, sir, but I could not possibly pledge
myself to you or any man."

"I'm asking no pledge. I'm only asking you to complete your own
invention, and when it's completed I'll help you to use it."

"I must be free."

"You own you can't use any discovery by yourself, you'd have to go to
someone. I come to you. The credit will be yours. I only find the
means and share the return--fair interest on capital."

"It's not that."

"Then what? Do you doubt my financial ability or financial
soundness?"

The meshes of the net were very narrow. Christopher sat with his head
on his hands. He could waste no force in inventing reasons, neither
could he explain the intangible truth. It was a fight of wills
solely.

"I can't do it," said Christopher doggedly.

"You are only a boy, but I credit you with more common-sense and a
better eye for business than many young men double your age. What
displeases you in my offer? Where do you want it altered?"

"I don't want it at all, Mr. Masters. I won't accept it. I don't think
my reason matters at all. I know I shall never do so well, but I
refuse."

"There are others who would take it. Suppose you are forestalled?"

Christopher looked him straight in the eyes.

"It's a fair fight so far."

"A fight is always fair to the winner," returned Masters grimly. There
was a silence. The next thrust reached the heart of the matter.

"What is your objection to dealing with me?"

Peter Masters leant forward as he spoke