"It means money going to London," he said at length. "We must sow if we would reap," William replied, "and our balance at the bank is not quite exhausted yet. Don't forget that we are partners in this enterprise, and in any case we could sell the farm for a great deal more than we gave for it." "We may be compelled to sell it yet," Ralph said ruefully. "But not until we are compelled," was the cheerful reply. "No, no; if we don't win this time, it will not be for want of trying." "My experience has not been encouraging," Ralph answered. "In every struggle so far, I have gone under. The strong have triumphed. Right and justice have been set aside." "You have gone under only to come to the top again," William laughed. "But think of father and mother." "Martyrs in the sacred cause of freedom," William answered. "The rights of the people are not won in a day." Ralph was silent for a while, then he looked up with a smile. "Your judgment is sounder than mine," he said. "I will go to London to-morrow." He had no difficulty in getting an interview with Sir John. The member for the St. Hilary division of the county had his eye on the next election. Moreover, he was keenly interested in the new discovery, and was not without hope that he might be able to identify himself with the concern. He manifested distinct pleasure when Ralph was announced, and gave all his attention to him at once. Ralph put the whole case before him from start to finish. Liskeard listened attentively with scarcely an interruption. He smiled now and then as Ralph explained his own hope and purpose--his benevolent autocracy, as William called it--and how he had been foiled by the ring of strong men--strong in wealth and social influence--who threatened to strangle all his hopes and schemes. It took Ralph a long time to tell his story, for he was anxious to leave no point obscure. Sir John listened without the least trace of weariness or impatience. He was too keenly interested to notice how rapidly time was flying. "I think your partner has the true business instinct," he said at length. "It is almost impossible to carry out great schemes by private enterprise." "Then you approve of forming a company?" "Most certainly. I have been expecting to see in the papers for weeks past that such a company had been formed." "I mistrust the whole lot of them," Ralph said, with a touch of vehemence in his tone. "Everybody appears to be on the make." "It is of very little use quarrelling with human nature," Sir John said, with a smile. "We must take men as we find them, and be careful to keep our eyes open all the time." "If someone stronger than yourself ties you to a tree and robs you, I don't see much use in keeping your eyes open," Ralph answered bluntly. "Indeed, it might be a prudent thing to keep your eyes shut." Liskeard lay back in his chair and laughed heartily.