The solution proposed was more astonishing still.

This was that Mr.Doubleday and Mr.McClure should amalgamate their young and vigorous business with the Harper enterprise and become the active managers of the new corporation.

Both Mr.McClure and Mr.Doubleday were comparatively young men, and the magnitude of the proposed undertaking at first rather staggered them.

It was as though a small independent steel maker should suddenly be invited to take over the United States Steel Corporation.

Mr.McClure, characteristically impetuous and daring, wished to accept the invitation outright; Mr.Doubleday, however, suggested a period of probation.