However, what I wish to say to you is this, sir, that when I found myself unable to interest you in this scheme, I went into it myself to some extent." "Went into it yourself ?" Mr.Dowling repeated, incredulously.

"What do you mean, Tavernake?
What do you mean, sir ?" "I mean that I have invested my savings in the purchase of several plots of land upon this hillside," Tavernake explained.
"On your own account ?" Mr.Dowling demanded.

"Your savings, indeed!" "Certainly," Tavernake answered.

"Why not ?" "But it's the firm's business, sir--the firm's, not yours!" "The firm had the opportunity," Tavernake pointed out, "and were not inclined to avail themselves of it.

If I had not bought the land when I did, some one else would have bought the whole of it long ago." Mr.Dowling was obviously in a furious temper.
"Do you mean to tell me, sir," he exclaimed, "that you dared to enter into private speculations while still an employee of the firm?
It is a most unheard-of thing, unwarranted, ridiculous.