est diamond factory in Belgium I had never previously heard his name.
"So
you are specialising in pearls," he had said, "and are operating in
China at present. Why don't you go in for diamonds on a large scale?"
"For the best reason in the world," I said, laughing. "It takes me all my time to finance my pearl business."
"Oh, money be damned," he returned. "You can buy from me all you want without cash. Your paper is good enough for me."
"But
paper has to be met," said I. "And I can't see myself getting a single
night's sound sleep if I were to buy beyond my strength."
"That
puts a different complexion on the matter," he smiled. "But although if
you want to sleep, then sleep you must; I had thought you of the
calibre of a big merchant who is out for big things and to whom sleep
is a secondary matter. How much sleep do you think did Napoleon get in
all his life?" That was no talk for serious merchants. It was
foolishness got up as the essence of wisdom. However, while he was
still speaking he told his head clerk to bring out the classified
series of brilliants which had been finished that morning.
"These
are the class of goods that sell in China," he said. "You may not know
it, but I am well informed on the point. The series comes to
approximately ,£40,000. You can make your fifteen per cent on it as
easily as you can kiss your hand. Will you buy it if I guarantee you a
profit?"
