Who knows? At any rate, I’m thinking of gradually withdrawing from business. THE CHAMBERLAIN. Really? MONSEN. The luck has been on my side, I may tell you. I’ve gone ahead as far as I care to; so now I think it’s about time to slack off a little—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. Well, I congratulate both you—and other people. MONSEN. And if I could at the same time do you a service, Chamberlain—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. _Me?_ MONSEN. When the Langerud woods were put up to auction five years ago, you made a bid for them—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes, but you outbade me, and they were knocked down to you. MONSEN. You can have them now, with the saw-mills and all appurtenances—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. After all your sinful cutting and hacking——! MONSEN. Oh, they’re worth a good deal still; and with your method of working, in a few years—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. Thank you; unfortunately I must decline the proposal. MONSEN. There’s a great deal of money in it, Chamberlain. As for me,—I may tell you I have a great speculation on hand; the stakes are large; I mean there’s a big haul to be made—a hundred thousand or so—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. A hundred thousand? That is certainly no trifle. MONSEN. Ha ha ha! A nice round sum to add to the pile. But when you’re going into a great battle you need reserve forces, as the saying goes. There’s not much ready money about; the names that are worth anything are rather used up—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. Yes, certain people have taken care of _that_. MONSEN. It’s a case of you scratch me, I scratch you. Well, Chamberlain, is it to be a bargain? You shall have the woods at your own figure—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. I will not have them at any figure, Mr. Monsen. MONSEN. Well, one good offer deserves another. Will you help me, sir? THE CHAMBERLAIN. What do you mean? MONSEN. Of course I’ll give good security. I have plenty of property. Look here—these papers—just let me explain my position to you. THE CHAMBERLAIN. [_Waving the papers aside._] Is it pecuniary aid you want? MONSEN. Not ready money; oh, no! But your support, Chamberlain. Of course I’ll pay for it—and give security, and—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. And you come to me with such a proposal as this? MONSEN.