SCENE--An Office in the City. TIME--After Lunch.
PRESENT--Members of a proposed Syndicate.
First Member. And now, gentlemen, to business. I suppose we may put down the capital at fifty thousand?
Second Mem. Better make it five hundred thousand. Half a million is so much easier to get.
Third Mem. Of course. Who would look at a paltry fifty?
First Mem. Perhaps you are right. Five pound shares, eh?
Fourth Mem. Better make them sovereigns. Simpler to manipulate.
First Mem. I daresay. Then the same solicitors as our last?
Fifth Mem. Yes, on the condition that they get a firm to undertake the underwriting.
First Mem. Necessarily. The firm I propose, gentlemen, are men of business, and quite recognise that nothing purchases nothing.
Second Mem. And they could get the secretary with a thousand to invest.
First Mem. Certainly. Our brokers, bankers, and auditors as before. Eh, gentlemen?
Fifth Mem. On the same conditions.
First Mem. That is understood. And now the prospectus is getting into shape. Is there anything else anyone can suggest?
Fourth Mem. Oughtn't we to have some object in view?
First Mem. Assuredly. Making money.
Fourth Mem. Don't be frivolous. But what I mean is, should we not know for what purpose we are going to expend the half million?
First Mem. Oh, you mean the name. Well, that comparatively unimportant detail we might safely leave until our next pleasant gathering.
IN EXTREMIS.--That man is indeed hard up who cannot get credit even for good intentions.
"WALKER!"--How unfair to sneer at the City tradesmen for being above their business, when so few of them live over their shops!
METROPOLITAN IMPROVEMENTS
Proposed elevated roadway for perambulators
