"I believe in it perfectly, sir, and I would not have suggested the matter if I had not possessed perfect faith." "That is enough, Mr Reed, and I thank you warmly, sir, and beg you to forgive the slightest shade of distrust. Now will you confer one more favour upon me?" "Certainly, if I can." "Let the shares be transferred at once, so that I may get the matter off my mind." "I will," said Clive, smiling. "Is that all?" "No; I want you to come back with me, and let me give you a cheque." "You could send it," said Clive, hesitating. "Ah! yes. You business men who deal with large sums, what a little you think of a few thousands. Can't you favour me, Mr Reed? You have had a long spell of work: a few hours' rest will do you good." "I'll come," said the young man, rising; but he did not add, "You have broken my day, so I may as well finish it in idleness." "That's right," cried the Major; "and of course you will stay till morning." "And turn Miss Gurdon out of her room?" The Major laughed. "Oh, dear, no. That is not her room. She occupies it sometimes for--I don't much understand these things--airing purposes, I believe; sometimes our old maid Martha. Don't let that idea get into your head, my dear sir. There! you will come?" "Yes, I'll come," said Reed again; and, after summoning Sturgess, and giving him a few instructions, which the man received with scowling brow and a surly "Yes," Clive walked away along the tram-rails toward the gateway of the mine gap, turning once to see that Sturgess was watching them off the road; but he forgot the incident directly, and they turned out on the shelf-like path under a projecting rock, which gave a cavern-like aspect to the place; then round the bastion-like spoil heap, to which Clive pointed. "There, brother shareholder," he said, with a smile, "I believe there is enough ore in that to keep us working for years, and pay a modest dividend." "I believe there is," said the Major frankly; and then they went chatting on, descending toward the track by the river, with the view increasing in beauty as they passed down toward the vale. "I believe you are right," said Reed suddenly. "I have been working rather too closely. This walk does one good. The air is invigorating, like champagne, and one's spirits rise." "Yes, it is not good to give all one's thoughts to making money. What do you say to having a try for the trout this evening?" "No," said Clive thoughtfully; "another time. I must, after all, be back this evening." "Mr Reed!" "Yes; excuse me, I must plead business. Let me come for an hour or two's chat in the garden, a cup of tea, and then let me return." "Of course, if you really wish it." "I do, this time, sir. We can easily finish the little bit of business first." "My dear Mr Reed, I wish to treat you as a welcome guest," said the Major; and they went on till he struck out away from the path.