express at that."

Elijah's face lost none of its assurance; but his eyes half closed as he
grasped Seymour's import. He answered with less fire but no less
conviction.

"I'll take your estimate of sixty millions and six days express. Suppose
that each of those sixty millions ate only two oranges a year, that
calls for one hundred and twenty millions. If these oranges sold at five
cents, there are six million dollars in a year. That's worth while,
isn't it?"

Seymour nodded assent and Elijah resumed. He pointed out the cost of the
land, of water, the care of the orchards, express rates and other
charges.

"Taking all this into account, your net yield on your investment will be
at least fifteen percent."

Seymour again smiled.

"That's all right too; but it hasn't been proved that California will
produce one hundred and twenty million oranges."

Elijah was nettled. It irritated him to be questioned too closely. He
was too thoroughly convinced, too thoroughly in earnest.

"No one believed in the Western hemisphere till Columbus found it."

Seymour paid no attention to Elijah's impatience. He had a concentrated
look on his face. He spoke again sharply and decidedly.

"You believe in this thing. So do I. If suitable terms can be arranged,
I am prepared to back my belief with cash."

"To what extent?" Elijah asked briefly.

"A hundred thousand or so. Think over what you will do and I will be in
again, in an hour. If your terms are all right, I'll get the money for
you at once." He left the office.

Elijah turned jubilantly to Winston.

"We're all right now."

"For a starter." Winston was sober.

"What do you mean?" Elijah spoke sharply.

"We've got a hundred thousand dollars. That's one thing. Now it's up to
us to make it pay. That's another." Winston did not lack confidence or
faith. He was realizing his responsibilities.

They began arranging terms for the transfer of an interest. Elijah, full
of the enthusiasm of success, could hardly pin himself down to details.
His years of dreams were being realized. He was looking upon a step as
taken. With his foot as yet hardly lifted, already he was looking toward
other paths. Winston held him down to the present.

At the appointed hour, Seymour reappeared. The terms offered were
satisfactory.

"I must get back East and attend to my other business. I shall have to
trust this to you."

Perhaps it was a mistake; but Winston had the feeling that Seymour's