"Exactly nine and sixpence per cent. on the money that I laid out there. Now that is not much more than a penny in the pound on the sum expended, and is not for a moment to be taken into consideration in comparison with the advantage of an improved market."
There was more in this than Sir Peregrine had expected to encounter. He did not for a moment doubt the truth of his own experience or the folly and the danger of the young man's proceedings; but he did doubt his own power of proving either the one or the other to one who so accurately computed his expenses by percentages on his outlay. Peregrine opened his eyes and sat by, wondering in silence. What on earth did Mason mean by an improved market?
"I am afraid then," said the baronet, "that you must have laid out a large sum of money."
"A man can't do any good, Sir Peregrine, by hoarding his capital. I don't think very much of capital myself--"
"Not of the theory of capital;--not so much as some people do; but if a man has got it, of course it should be expended on the trade to which it is to be applied."
"But some little knowledge--some experience is perhaps desirable before any great outlay is made."
"Yes; some little knowledge is necessary,--and some great knowledge would be desirable if it were accessible;--but it is not, as I take it."
"Long years, perhaps, devoted to such pursuits--"
"Yes, Sir Peregrine; I know what you are going to say. Experience no doubt will teach something. A man who has walked thirty miles a day for thirty years will probably know what sort of shoes will best suit his feet, and perhaps also the kind of food that will best support him through such exertion; but there is very little chance of his inventing any quicker mode of travelling."
"But he will have earned his wages honestly," said Sir Peregrine, almost angrily. In his heart he was very angry, for he did not love to be interrupted.
"Oh, yes; and if that were sufficient we might all walk our thirty miles a day. But some of us must earn wages for other people, or the world will make no progress. Civilization, as I take it, consists in efforts made not for oneself but for others."
"If you won't take any more wine we will join the ladies," said the baronet.