CHAPTER IX 

The opportunity for an explanation between Jacob and his fellow speculators speedily presented itself. Amongst his letters, on the following morning, Jacob found a somewhat pompous little note from Dane Montague, inviting him to lunch at the Milan at half-past one. Littleham, supremely uncomfortable in a new suit of clothes, was the other guest, and champagne was served before the three men had well taken their places. 

"A celebration, eh?" Jacob observed, as he bowed to his two hosts. 

Mr. Montague cleared his throat. 

"Our meeting might almost be considered in that light," he admitted. "Yesterday afternoon we sold the last plot of land on the Cropstone Wood Estate." 

"Capital!" Jacob exclaimed. "Full price?" 

"Sixpence a yard over." 

Jacob nodded approval. 

"By the bye," he said, "I see that the Water Company is getting on very well with its connections. They must have several hundred men at work there." 

Mr. Montague appeared a little startled. 

"Well, well! At any rate we shall be able to keep our word. Electric light and water will be ready for every house as it is built." 

"That reminds me of a question I was going to ask you," Jacob went on. "What price are we going to charge for the electric light?" 

"What price?" Montague murmured, balancing a knife upon his forefinger and watching it meditatively. 

"The Company'll have to fix that amongst themselves," Littleham declared brusquely. 

"One or two of the people who've bought plots have made enquiries," Jacob continued, without noticing the last speaker. "I think they've begun to realise that they're pretty well at our mercy--or rather at the mercy of the Company." 
how many men work there
They must have several hundred men at work there." 