"This is new business to me, Mr. Berl. I can't keep up with you." He spoke sharply, almost impatiently, but his manner showed that he was deeply impressed, both with the proposition and with Elijah himself. "That is a strong presentation of your proposition, Mr. Berl. Now I want a few definite answers to definite questions. As I understand you, you propose to do something entirely new. What warrant have you for believing that oranges can be successfully grown in this district? Oranges are a tropical fruit." "People are used to thinking that oranges are a tropical fruit. They aren't. Look at Spain, and France, and Italy. They are famous for this very fruit. Here," Elijah swept his hands around, "those conditions are reproduced. Here are the San Bernadinos, there the Pacific, between are desert hills. Bring water to this sunshine and soil, and California will become the garden of the New World." Seymour smiled at Elijah's enthusiasm. His words were fervid, but Seymour realized their truth. "That's all right for Spain, and Italy and the rest; but those countries are only a few hours by water from three hundred millions of people, while California is six days by rail from sixty millions, and high rate express at that." Elijah's face lost none of its assurance; but his eyes half closed as he grasped Seymour's import. He answered with less fire but no less conviction. "I'll take your estimate of sixty millions and six days express. Suppose that each of those sixty millions ate only two oranges a year, that calls for one hundred and twenty millions. If these oranges sold at five cents, there are six million dollars in a year. That's worth while, isn't it?" Seymour nodded assent and Elijah resumed. He pointed out the cost of the land, of water, the care of the orchards, express rates and other charges. "Taking all this into account, your net yield on your investment will be at least fifteen percent." Seymour again smiled. "That's all right too; but it hasn't been proved that California will produce one hundred and twenty million oranges." Elijah was nettled. It irritated him to be questioned too closely. He was too thoroughly convinced, too thoroughly in earnest. "No one believed in the Western hemisphere till Columbus found it." Seymour paid no attention to Elijah's impatience. He had a concentrated look on his face. He spoke again sharply and decidedly. "You believe in this thing. So do I. If suitable terms can be arranged, I am prepared to back my belief with cash." "To what extent?" Elijah asked briefly. "A hundred thousand or so. Think over what you will do and I will be in again, in an hour. If your terms are all right, I'll get the money for you at once." He left the office. Elijah turned jubilantly to Winston. "We're all right now." "For a starter." Winston was sober. "What do you mean?" Elijah spoke sharply.