With this sum in his hands, Mr. Markland went to New York.  He found the Company’s agent, Mr. Fenwick, as full of encouraging words and sanguine anticipations as ever.

“The prize is just within our grasp,” said he, in answer to some close inquiries of Markland.  “There has been a most vigorous prosecution of the works, and a more rapid absorption of capital, in consequence, than was anticipated; but, as you have clearly seen, this is far better than the snail-like progress at which affairs were moving when Mr. Lyon reached the ground.  Results which will now crown our efforts in a few months, would scarcely have been reached in as many years.”

“How soon may we reasonably hope for returns?” asked Mr. Markland, with more concern in his voice than he meant to express.

“In a few months,” was answered.

“In two, three, or four months?”

“It is difficult to fix an exact period,” said Mr. Fenwick, evasively.  “You know how far the works have progressed, and what they were doing at the latest dates.”

“There ought to be handsome returns in less than six months.”

“And will be, no doubt,” replied the agent.

“There must be,” said Mr. Markland, betraying some excitement.

Mr. Fenwick looked at him earnestly, and with a slight manifestation of surprise.

“The assessments have been larger and more frequent than was anticipated.  I did not intend embarking more than twenty thousand dollars in the beginning, and already some sixty thousand have been absorbed.”

“To return you that sum, twice told, in less than a year, besides giving you a position of power and influence that the richest capitalist in New York might envy.”

And, enlarging on this theme, Fenwick, as on former occasions, presented to the imagination of Mr. Markland such a brilliant series of achievements, that the latter was elevated into the old state of confidence, and saw the golden harvest he was to reap already bending to the sickle.

Twice had Markland proposed to visit the scene of the Company’s operations, and as often had Mr. Fenwick diverted his thoughts from that direction.  He again declared his purpose to go out at an early date.

“We cannot spare you from our councils at home,” said Mr. Fenwick, pleasantly, yet with evident earnestness.

“Oh, yes, you can,” was promptly answered.  “I do not find myself of as much use as I desire to be.  The direction at this point is in good enough hands, and can do without my presence.  It is at the chief point of operations that I may be of most use, and thither I shall proceed.”

“We will talk more about that another time,” said Mr. Fenwick.  “Now we must discuss the question of ways and means.  There will yet be many thousand dollars to provide.”

“Beyond my present investment, I can advance nothing,” said Mr. Markland, seriously.

“It will not be necessary,” replied Mr. Fenwick.  “The credit of the Company—­that is, of those in this and other cities, including yourself, who belong to the Company, and have the chief management of its affairs—­is good for all we shall need.”