'
"My dear Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, that is what came
to you when that Cradock man threw a cent into the mud
for me."
"But, papa, what are the other letters?"
"Oh, yes, what are they? Here is English; it's from
Wendell. H'm--h'm--h'm. Shortpassage. Worcestershire--
h'm--Wedgewood--h'm--Staffordshire--h'm. Why, Clara,
George, listen:
"`I suppose you will not be surprised when I say that
your suggestion made on the deck of the `Samaria,' as to
oxalate of strontium, was received with surprise by Herr
Fernow and Herr Klee. But such is the respect in which
suggestions from America are now held, that they ordered
a trial at once in the Royal kilns, the result of which
are memoranda A and B, enclosed. They are so much
delighted with these results that they have formed a
syndicate with the Winkels, of Potsdam, and the
Schonhoffs, of Berlin, to undertake the manufacture in
Germany; and I am instructed to ask you whether you will
accept a round sum, say 150,000 marks, for the German
patent, or join them, say as a partner, with twenty per
cent of stock in their adventure.'
"I think so," said Mr. Starr. "That is what the
bright penny comes to at compound interest. Let us try
Birnebaum's letter."
"`GOTTFRIEED BIRNEBAUM to JOHN STARR:
"`MY HONORED SIR,--I am at a loss to express to you
the satisfaction with which I write.
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