Good gracious, I wouldn’t take all that trouble for a thousand vineyards. And besides, I never intended to go into the necessary examination myself, or have anything to do with it. If you & Whitford, upon examination, approved, I meant to invest in the bonds—that was all.

I have heard from Mr. Whitford, & also from Ogden. The idea of your going to California to find a way for me to invest $10,000—even if you went at Ogden’s expense—doesn’t strike me favorably, of course. There are plenty other investments, & you are needed where you are.