We had thoughts in our mind which we should have shared with you.

It was not fair, Mr.
Burton, to attempt to carry out such a scheme as Mr.Bomford here had conceived, without including you in it." The professor nodded to himself, amiably satisfied with his words.

Burton remained mystified.
Mr.Bomford took up the ball.
"We yielded, Mr.Burton," he said, "to the natural impulse of all business men.

We tried to make the best bargain we could for ourselves.
A little reflection and--er--your refusal of our offer, has brought us into what I trust you will find a more reasonable frame of mind.

We wish now to treat you with the utmost confidence.