“Wait. Before you seek to interest investors you ought to be thoroughly familiar with the finances of the company, and I scarcely think your work or your training has given you the necessary knowledge.” “I shall try to interest friends only, or their fathers. And I know as much as there is to know, since I have the figures in black and white--” “The vender's figures, Thomas,” interjected Mr. Leigh in a warning voice. “Thompson's figures,” corrected Tommy, in the voice of a supreme-court justice citing authorities. He took from his pocket the statement which the president of the Tecumseh Motor Company had given to him.. “Here, father, read this.” While Mr. Leigh read the statement Tommy in turn tried to read his father's face. But he could not see conviction setting itself on Mr. Leigh's features. When Mr. Leigh finished reading he simply said: “Now the figures.” Tommy silently handed him the sheets with the vital statistics. Mr. Leigh looked them over, and Tommy was amazed at the change in the old man's face. It took on an alertness, a look of shrewd comprehension which Tommy never before had seen on it. Then he remembered that his father was an accountant, doubtless an expert at figures. And then he remembered also what his father had been able to do through being an expert at figures. The reaction made Tommy feel faint and cold. Mr. Leigh leisurely folded the sheets together and silently returned them to his son. “Well?” said Tommy, not knowing that he spoke sharply because the secret had come to life again in this room. “What do you think of it now?” “Did Mr. Thompson himself prepare these figures?” “Yes--at least I think so. Why?” “It is a remarkable statement, prepared by an expert for the sole benefit of laymen who don't know anything about accounts, which is something that expert accountants are not usually able to do, since they do not work for the ignorant. A highly intelligent exhibit, because it is easily intelligible and withal free from technical subterfuges. I can vouch for its honesty. But I do not think you can interest capital with this literature, Thomas.” “But you haven't grasped the point, father. I am not looking for capital, but for friends--” “With capital. It is the same, as far as concerns the owners of the capital.” Tommy had feared the same thing, and also had feared to believe it. “I must do it somehow,” said Tommy, very earnestly. “I naturally wish you to succeed, Thomas,” said Mr. Leigh, very quietly. After a pause he added, almost diffidently: “Possibly, I--I might be able to help you, my son--” “I must do it myself,” interjected Tommy, quickly. “I--I must.” Mr. Leigh seemed on the point of saying something that Tommy might not like to hear, but checked himself and finally said: “I hope you may succeed. It will be difficult work and--But you must be tired from your traveling?” He looked at Tommy doubtfully, and Tommy, who wished to be alone with his thoughts and his new heartache, said: