Ralph's next step was to interview a local contractor who was very anxious to build the new sea-wall and pier. The result of that interview was that the contractor sent in a fresh tender, not to build the wall of granite, but with a newly discovered concrete, which could be manufactured at a very small cost, and which would serve the purposes of the company even better than granite itself. Ralph registered his invention or discovery, got his concession from the Brick, Tile, and Clay Company into the best legal form possible, and then commenced operations. Telfer, the contractor, who was delighted with the quality of the concrete, financed Ralph at the start, and helped him in every way in his power. The Perranpool Pier and Land Company, after testing the new material in every way known to them, accepted Telfer's tender, and the great work was commenced forthwith. In a couple of months Ralph had as many men at work as he had room for. Telfer had laid a light tram-line down the valley, and as fast as the blocks were manufactured they were run down to Perranpool. Ralph was in high spirits. Having the material for nothing, and water in abundance, he was able to manufacture his concrete even cheaper than he had calculated. In fact, his profits were so good that he increased the wages of his hands all round, and got more work out of them in consequence. Robert Telfer, however, who was much more of a man of the world than Ralph, was by no means satisfied with the condition of affairs. He foresaw contingencies that never occurred to the younger man. "Look here," he said to Ralph one day, "you ought to turn out much more stuff than you are doing." "Impossible," Ralph answered. "I have so many men at work that they are getting in each other's way as it is." "But why not double your shifts? Let one lot get in at six and break off at two, and the second come in at two and leave off at ten." "I never thought of that," Ralph answered. "Well, you take my advice. There's an old proverb, you know, about making hay while the sun shines." "But the sun will shine as long as you take my concrete." "Don't be too sure of that." "How?" Ralph said, glancing up with questioning eyes. "The raw material may give out." Ralph laughed. "Why, there's stuff enough to last a hundred years," he said. "That may be; but don't be too sure that you will be allowed to use it." "Do you mean to suggest that the company will attempt to go behind their agreement?" "More unlikely things have happened." "Then you have heard something?" "Nothing very definite. But some of the shareholders are angry at seeing you make money." "But the stuff has been lying waste for generations, and accumulating year by year. They rather gain than lose by letting me use it up." "But some of them are asking why they cannot use it themselves." "Well, let them if they know how." "You have patented your discovery?" "I have tried, but our patent laws are an outrage."