At present," he concluded, with a little sigh, "I really can't think of any." "When one considers," Burton remarked, "the number of people in high positions who might have discovered these beans and profited by them, it does rather appear as though they had been wasted upon an auctioneer and an auctioneer's clerk who have to get their livings." "I entirely agree with you," Mr.Waddington assented.

"I must admit that in some respects I feel happier and life seems a much more interesting place.

Yet I can't altogether escape from certain apprehensions as regards the future." "If you take my advice," Burton said firmly, "you'll continue the business exactly as you are doing at present." "I have no idea of abandoning it," Mr.Waddington replied.

"The trouble is, how long will it be before it abandons me ?" "I have a theory of my own as to that," Burton declared.

"We will not talk about it at present--simply wait and see." Mr.Waddington paid the bill.
"Meanwhile," he said, "you had better get down to Garden Green as quickly as you can.