The physiological action of coffee depends on the presence of the alkaloid caffeine, which varies from 0.6 percent in the Arabian berry to 2 percent in that of Sierra Leone.

Again, the aromatic oil, caffeine, which is developed by roasting, increases in quantity the longer the seeds are kept.

Unfortunately, coffee beans lose weight during storage, so you have a clear commercial reason why grocers should not sell the best coffee, unless under compulsion of an enlightened public opinion.

Now you, Mr.Forbes, would never dream of putting your money into a investment without full and careful inquiry into the history and scope of the proposed undertaking, while our young friend here would snort furiously at a split infinitive or a false rhyme, yet, when I submit the vital problem of the sort of coffee you imbibe--the very essence and nutriment of your brains and bodies--you hear the kind of answer I receive." All this, of course, was excellent fooling, intended to dispel the brooding horror which had suddenly descended upon Forbes since it was borne in on him that the demoniac wrath wreaked on Mrs.Lester was now directed with equal ferocity against his family and himself.
To an extent, Furneaux's scheme succeeded.

A gleam of interest shot from the millionaire's eyes.