Part 62 (1/2)
”California!” said Potts, thoughtfully ”I should like to try that above all things It has a good sound It is like the chink of cash”
”Yes, you get the pure gold out of that There's nothing like it”
”Do you know any chances for speculation there?”
”Yes, one or two”
”Would you have any objection to let me know?”
”Not in the least--it will extend your business I will ask my Junior to send you any particulars you may desire”
”This California business must be the best there is, if all I hear is true”
”You haven't heard the real truth”
”Haven't I?” exclaierated”
”I could tell you stories faryou have heard”
”Tell me!” cried Potts, breathlessly
”Well,” said S which is known, I'm sorry to say, in certain circles in London, and is already being acted on One-half of our fortune has been made in California operations”
”You don't say so!”
”You see I've always been bold,” continued Sreater confidence ”I read so there At the first news of the discovery I chartered a shi+p and went out at once I took every thing that could be needed On arriving at San Francisco, where there were already very o at an enormous profit, and hired the shi+p as a warehouse at enor company, and put a first-rate man at the head of it They found a place on the Sacraold really seems inexhaustible I worked it for so to London Then I left, and ”
”Why did you leave?” asked Potts, breathlessly
”Because I couldin London Myhim a share in the business
People soon found out that Smithers & Co had made enormous sums of money in California, but they don't know exactly how The i the last year has filled theold that I sent home has been utilized byin breathless adhts were seen in his face His whole heart was laid bare, and the one thing visible was an intense desire to share in that golden enterprise
”I have organized two companies on the sae pre part in each, andlikely to succeed I continue; if not, why, I can easily sell out I a a third coerly
”No, not yet”
”Well, could I obtain sohtwhatever with the details I don't knohat plans or agreely to take stock How do the shares sell?”
”The price is high, as ish to confine our shareholders to the richer classes We never put it at less than 1000 a share”