"An Asiatic Power has offered me an immense commission if I can arrange the sale to them of the Atlantic fleet of the Universal Line." "For what purpose ?" "Trading purposes between Japan and China," Phipps explained.

"The quickest way of bringing about the sale and earning my commission is for me to acquire a controlling interest in the company.

I have already a certain number of shares.

The possession of yours will give me control.
The shares to-day stand at a dollar and an eighth.

That would make your holding, Mr.Wingate, worth, say, one million, four hundred thousand dollars.