an the money she had expected to get. She had
resolved to make it famous as a monument to her father; its success was
to prove that his life had not Been wasted in empty dreams.

"Investors are a suspicious lot," Stormont went on. "They don't like to
lose their money, and you must admit that there's not much to encourage
buyers of your shares to run the risk. The ore is rich, but we are up
against obstacles that your manager is obviously unable to remove. In
fact, my scheme ought to work out for your benefit."

The sneer at Thirlwell roused Agatha. "The obstacles will not vanish if
you get control, and you cannot find a manager who will do as well. Then
the scheme will not benefit me; it is meant to benefit nobody but you.
If your friends are foolish enough to support it, you will find a way of
overreaching them."

George frowned. Agatha's indignation was warranted, but this was not the
line to take at a business meeting. Then Gardner looked up, rather
sharply, as if the girl's remarks had excited some suspicion that was
already in his mind.

"I think you must see that any advantage Mr. Stormont gains will be
shared by the rest."

"If you believe this, you are very dull," Agatha replied.

"Anyhow, you'll admit that we are short of money and don't know where to
get it, while to combine with the Adventurers would supply the needed
capital."

"Yes," said Agatha. "But Mr. Stormont wants to take your shares for much
less than they are worth. You can let him have yours, if you like; he
shall not get mine!"

"Then you must try to sell them, and you'll find it difficult," Leeson
interposed. "If you force us to call a meeting, we can carry our
scheme."

"You are all against me!" Agatha exclaimed, looking at the others. "You
have let Mr. Stormont cajole you!"

"I don't know that we have been _cajoled_," Leeson answered with a
doubtful smile. "In a sense, however, we are against you. We are
business men and must protect our interests in the best way we can."

"Trusting Mr. Stormont is not the best way," Agatha rejoined, without
regarding Scott's amusement and George's frown.

"I'm afraid we must call the meeting," Gardner broke in. "We hoped you
would have met us, Miss Strange, because you are bound to lose when we
take a formal vote."

Agatha felt desperate and glanced at Thirlwell; if he could do nothing
else, he could sympathize. He gave her an encouraging smile as he got
up, for he knew his time had come and h