"
"Not as bad as that," protested the capitalist, with a smile. "Of course,
in view of the very large amount of money we are offering, we must have
some voice in the management of--"
"Not this business!" interjected the boatbuilder, with emphasis.
"But, man, you must have the money!"
"We'll do without it, or get it somewhere else," went on the boatbuilder,
patiently. "We thank you, Mr. Melville, and those associated with you,
but Mr. Pollard and I have decided to go no further in the present
negotiations."
"What's that?" demanded George Melville, springing to his feet. "You
don't want our money?"
"We won't take it--not at the price you set on it," responded Farnum,
bluntly.
For the first time the capitalist appeared decidedly uneasy.
"You don't mean this, Farnum," he answered. "You're excited; perhaps
alarmed over something that I have said, or which you thought I
intimated."
"I mean just what I have said, take my word for it, sir," retorted the
boatbuilder. "We do not intend to look to you for any money that we
need. That is final, and, therefore, that is all."
"All this change of front because of these wretched boys?" demanded
George Melville, incredulously.
"Partly on account of your attitude toward these boys," admitted Mr.
Farnum, "and also because Pollard and I now realize that you had intended
to wrest control of this business from us.
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