I hope you believe that I have advised you in the best interests of all ?" "I do, indeed," the other replied heartily "We shall be thought entirely selfish; but you know and I know that what we have done is for the benefit of the shareholders." Philip was pleased to find that the thoughts of each of the old gentlemen ran hand in hand with his spoken words.

"Here, at least," he said to himself, "are two honest men." As though loath to part, the two gentlemen still lingered.
"And I hope," continued the one addressed as Sir John, "that you approve of my holding back the public announcement of the combine until the afternoon.

It will give the shareholders a better chance.

Had we given out the news in this morning's papers the stockbrokers would have--" "It was most wise," interrupted the other.

"Most just." The one called Sir John bowed himself away, leaving the other still standing at the steps of the lounge.