Ole left his desk and began to walk up and down. His mind was working; he had intended to offer Tidemand some refreshment, but forgot it entirely. He was greatly tempted, but he was up to his neck in other pressing engagements--that Brazilian affair had almost paralysed him for the moment, and he did not expect to be able to take his profits until early summer. "There ought to be money in it," said Tidemand. No doubt; that was not why Ole hesitated. But he simply was not able to do it. He explained his circumstances and added that he was afraid to tackle anything more at present. The speculation appealed to him, notwithstanding his inability to participate; his eyes gleamed, and he inquired eagerly into all the details. He took a piece of paper, made estimates, and studied the telegram afresh with a thoughtful air. Finally he declared that he could do nothing. "Of course I can operate alone," said Tidemand. "I will do it on a smaller scale, that is all. But I should have liked you to be in on this; I would have felt safer. I realise that you cannot go further. However, I'll telegraph myself; have you got a blank?" Tidemand wrote out his telegram and handed it to Ole. "I guess that is clear enough?" Ole stepped back a pace. "So much?" he exclaimed. "This is a big order, Andreas." "It is big. But I hope the results will justify it," answered Tidemand quietly. And unable to control a feeling that overwhelmed him at the moment, he looked toward the wall and whispered as if to himself: "I don't care how it turns out or about anything any more." Ole looked at him and asked: "Any news?" "No--" "Well, we'll see how it turns out." Tidemand put the telegram in his pocket. "I should have liked us both to be in this enterprise, Ole. I must confess that I am in deep elsewhere, too, but--I have my ice to realise on. When the warm weather comes I'll make money on that, don't you think?" "Decidedly! As good as ready money, ice is." "So I am not altogether on my knees. And may the Lord keep that sad fate from me, both for my own sake and for the sake of mine!" "But could you not as a matter of safety--Wait a moment. Pardon me for not offering you a cigar; I know how you like to smoke while talking; I forgot. Sit down a moment; I'll be back directly." Tidemand knew that Ole was on his way to the cellar for the usual bottle of wine, and tried to call him back, but Ole did not hear and returned in a moment with the old, fuzzy bottle. They sat on the sofa as usual and drank to each other. "I simply wanted to ask," continued Ole, "are you sure you have considered everything in connection with this American affair? I do not flatter myself that I can teach you anything, you know, but--" "Yes, I fancy I have calculated all contingencies," answered Tidemand. "You notice I am using the term 'Delivery within three days.' Success depends on quick action. I haven't even forgotten to consider the effect of a possible presidential change in America."