"But if you're going to bring in money----" "I know. What of the Carnegies and the Rockefellers? you're going to say. There's where you think you've got me, but you haven't; for I've always said that being born in poverty fits a man to make money above all things, because he's brought up to value it out of all proportion to everything else. But where are they after they get it? America's full of millionaires who came up out of nothing, but who had to work so hard getting started that they'd nothing left in 'em or didn't know anything but money when they got to where they could stop to look around. If they had any genius to start with, it was dried out of 'em trying to get going. Hitch any two-mile trotter to an ice-wagon and where will he finish? You overweight your boy going off and he will be handicapped out of the race, too. But can I have another one of those cigars?" "Help yourself." "Thanks. I wish I had your pull with old Cabada. Now, Welkie, I'm only trying to show you where you ought to cast aside certain outworn traditions and face actual present-day truths. Now listen. You probably don't believe I'm a villain, Welkie, and you know I represent a powerful corporation--reputable even if powerful. Yes. Well, this work of ours is good, useful work--don't you think we can fairly claim that?" "Beautiful work--beautiful." "Good. Then wouldn't you like to see that work growing under your hand--ten thousand men driving night and day, and that concrete structure reaching out, as you've planned it, in long white stretches to the sea?" "It's certainly a fine prospect." "Then why not do it? What's the use, Welkie? You're the best man in the country for us and we're the best concern for you. We offer you the biggest job in sight. What d'y' say? You've been turning us down, but think it over now." Welkie shook his head. "Why not?" "Because--but they are coming back." Necker could see the hands of Balfe and Miss Welkie unclasping in the half-darkness as they entered. He touched Welkie on the arm. "Why not tell Miss Welkie and Mr. Balfe what it is I'm after?" "But I'm doing work here that I've got to finish, and they know that." "I know you are, but consider this. What does the government pay you here, Welkie? I probably know, but no matter." "Two hundred a month and this house."