MAX SCHIMMEL
27
were found twelve thousand to the acre. Yet he seemed as unaware of the presence of these men as he was of Hereford, now that he stood beside him.
"Put it down, Max," Hereford directed. "I have something important to ask you."
Max only adjusted his scale more intently, recognizing the voice, but not turning his head.
"Ach! Imbortant!" he exclaimed. "It must be that some one is about to lose or to make money then; for that iss what beople here think iss imbortant. But what iss imbortant iss—this." He pointed to the sweet pea.
"Dangerous variety, Max?"
"Why not? Would it be imbossible to give to this sweet pea the poison of the Borgias? But then this pea would become an
