We have now," he proceeded, turning to Mr.Belton, "certain information that the cars will run to whatever point we desire in this vicinity, and the Metropolitan Railway has also arranged for an extension of its system.

To-morrow I propose," Mr.Dowling continued, holding the sides of his coat and assuming a somewhat pompous manner, "to make an offer for the whole of this site.
It will involve a very large sum of money indeed, but I am convinced that it will be a remunerative speculation." Tavernake remained grimly silent.

This was scarcely the time or the place which he would have selected for an explanation with his employer.
There were signs, however, that the thing was to be forced upon him.
"I am very pleased indeed to meet you here, Tavernake," Mr.Dowling went on, "pleased both for personal reasons and because it shows, if I may be allowed to say so, the interest which you take in the firm's business, that you should devote your holiday to coming and--er--surveying the scene of our exploits, so to speak.

Perhaps now that you are here you would be able to explain to Mr.Belton better than I should, just what it is that we propose." Tavernake hesitated for a moment.

Finally, however, he proceeded to make clear a very elaborate and carefully thought out building scheme, to which both men listened with much attention.