You'll
excuse me under the circumstances, Mr. Pulcifer, I'm sure. Dear me, I
hope you will."
He was forgiven. Mr. Pulcifer assured him to that effect. But Raish
was still uncertain just how to proceed. He continued to puff and
scrutinize.
"What I wish to know," continued his caller, after another moment's
interval, "is--well, in short, I should like to know your opinion of
Wellmouth Development shares as an investment security."
"Um--ye-es. Well, you said that before."
"Did I? Dear me, I believe I did. Well, then, suppose, just suppose that
I actually did wish to buy some of those shares. Would you consider it a
good thing for me to do?"
Here at last was something tangible--and promising. Mr. Pulcifer's puffy
lids drew nearer together to hide the gleam behind them. He took the
cigar from his mouth and held it between the fingers of his right hand.
During his next speech he gesticulated with it.
"Would I consid--" he began, and then paused, apparently overcome by his
feelings. The pause was not long, however. "Would I consider Wellmouth
Development a good thing for you to put your money in? WOULD I?"
"Ah--yes. Would you?"
"Say, Perfessor, you listen to me. _I_ know all about Wellmouth
Development. You've come to the right place. You listen."
Galusha listened, listened for a long time. The red of the Pulcifer
cigar tip died out and that of the Pulcifer face brightened.
Pages:
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248