I was in a kind of agony. I was just about to say, 'Lloyd, I also have no money. I don't have a penny, and I am in debt!' But then a white-hot idea came flaming through my head. I gripped my jaws together, and calmed myself down until I was as cold as a capitalist. When I spoke, I was all business and completely in control of myself

'I will save you. But I will do it in a way that would be fair to you. You have worked hard, and taken many chances. I don't need to buy mines. In a busy place like London I can keep my money moving without buying anything. It's what I do, all the time. Here is what I'll do for you. I know all about that mine, of course. I know it is very valuable, and if anybody asks me I will swear that is the truth. In a fortnight you will sell all your shares for three million cash by using my name as much as you like. We'll share out the moeny you get.'

Do you know, he was so mad with joy that he would have danced on the furniture until he had smashed it to little pieces? He would have broken everything in the place, if I hadn't tripped him up and tied him. Then he lay there, perfectly happy, saying

'I may use your name! Your name - think of it! Man, crowds of these rich Londoners will come to buy, they'll fight for those shares! I've got my life in order, it's all sorted out, and I'll never forget you as long as I live!'