, say, about three millions." He went to
the desk and made some calculations. "I assume," he continued somewhat
pompously after a few moments' figuring, "that you wish to retain me,
and that I am to take my compensation in stock?"

Ketchim quickly assented. He knew that Cass had correctly concluded
that in no other way was he likely to be reimbursed. And, at best, it
was only a hazard, a wild gamble. In fact, it was a last desperate
chance. Moreover, stock was always available; while cash was a rare
commodity.

"Suppose, then," continued the sapient young lawyer, "that we
capitalize for three millions; set aside one million, five hundred and
one thousand as treasury stock, to be sold to raise money for
development purposes; transfer to the Ketchim Realty Company one
million, as compensation for acting as fiscal agents of the new
company; transfer to these two gentlemen, as part compensation for
past and future services, the sum of four hundred thousand in stock;
give to the stockholders of the Molino Company the sum of fifty-nine
thousand in stock for all the assets, machinery, good will, _et
cetera_, of that company; and to me, for services to be rendered,
forty thousand dollars' worth of the stock. All of us shall agree not
to sell any of our personal holdings of stock until the company shall
be placed upon a dividend-paying basis. And Mr. Reed, or Mr. Harris,
or both, will return to Colombia immediately to relocate the mine, and
prepare for its development, while the Ketchim Realty Company at once
endeavor to sell the treasury stock."

Having delivered himself of this comprehensive plan, Cass settled back
in his chair and awaited remarks.

"Well," observed Ketchim at length, "that's all right--only, I think
we should be allowed to sell our personal stock if we wish. Of
course," with a deprecating wave of his hand, "there isn't the
slightest likelihood of our ever wanting to do that--with a mine such
as you have described, fellows. But--why hedge us about?"

"Not one dollar's worth of your stock shall you be permitted to sell!"
cried Harris, bringing his fist down upon the desk.

"I suggest that we leave that for the Directors to decide later,"
offered Cass, anxious to avoid discord. He was young, scarcely out of
the twenties, just married, just admitted to the bar, and eager to get
a toe-hold in the world of business. "And now," he concluded, "if
agreeable to you, I will put this through at once, organize the