Page:Clement Fezandié - Through the Earth.djvu/53

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IN WHICH JAMES CURTIS IS SURPRISED
33

right," answered Dr. Giles. "Besides, if, as I am fully convinced, the operation succeeds, I shall make far more profit by keeping the shares than by selling them. Moreover, you must remember that I did not start on this undertaking with any idea of making money out of it, although I shall, of course, gladly accept any profit that may fall to my share. But it was principally in the interests of science and humanity that I took up this work, and I shall feel amply repaid if I succeed in carrying it through successfully, even though I do not make a single cent out of the operation."

"Well, doctor," said Mr. Curtis, heartily, "I am glad for your sake that the financial part of the enterprise has succeeded so well, because, the more I think over the scheme, the more I am convinced that it will prove a complete fiasco in practice. And that reminds me that there is one question which I wish to ask you."

"Ask away," said Dr. Giles, resignedly.

"I am curious to know what you are going to do with all the earth you take out of the tunnel."

"What I am going to do with it!" repeated Dr. Giles, surprised; "why, dump it anywhere where it will be out of the way."

"H'm!" said Mr. Curtis, "that does sound like