You have a splendid type of boat,
but you need more money in order to push your yard properly. You need
a lot more of building plant here."
"Yes," assented Mr. Farnum.
"Now, on the terms that I was inclined to refuse before, I am ready to
supply a sum even greater than was at first spoken of," and the man
beamed on Mr. Farnum.
"I no longer care to talk business with you, Mr. Melville."
"Why not?"
"We need not go into that. I bid you good day, Mr. Melville."
"You don't seem to know what you're doing, Farnum. I control millions.
I also have some influence--in Washington," and the man strode from the
room, leaving Jacob Farnum a bit shaken but not repenting his decision
not to deal with George Melville.
"One other road is open to Melville if he but knows it," thought the
boatbuilder. "One hundred and ten thousand dollars' worth of bills for
materials are now a few days overdue. My creditors have faith in me,
but Melville, with his money, could buy up these bills by offering a
bonus and could then press me for immediate payment. If only Washington
did not move, so slowly!" and the man groaned.
That same evening about ten o'clock the submarine boys were on their
way from the village to the "Pollard" when they heard the fire alarm.
They were in front of the volunteer fire house, and were at once pressed
into service to take the place of some of the young firemen who were not
at hand.
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