expense ought not to exceed one hundred million dollars."
"One hundred million dollars!" replied Mr. Curtis, contemptuously; "that's altogether too low an estimate for such a gigantic undertaking. But even taking your own figures, where in the world are you going to obtain a hundred million dollars? Where will you find men sufficiently foolish to pay their money for the mere anticipation of the pleasure of being dropped down a hole eight thousand miles deep?"
"I have little fear of failing to secure the necessary capital," replied Dr. Giles. "The advantages to be gained are so great, even from a financial point of view, that I am convinced the shares of the company will sell like hot cakes."
"The advantages of the scheme!" echoed Mr. Curtis. "I must say I cannot see what advantages you find in it."
"Perhaps not. But do you know how long it now takes for merchandise to go from Australia to New York?"
"It takes several weeks in our steamers."
"Yes, and several months in our sailing-vessels. Perishable goods cannot be shipped at all, or at least not without resorting to expensive methods
