A Battle of Brains Read Online Free PDF

do now,” he said, “will require intelligence more than knowledge.”
    Yolanda waited wide-eyed and he continued,
    â€œTonight we will have a guest whose name is Jack Harpole.  He is, as indeed I am, interested in the many industrial developments that have been taking place lately not only in this country but all over the world.”
    â€œI think Step-papa, you are talking about what they are calling the ‘Industrial Revolution’.”
    Her stepfather raised his eyebrows.
    â€œDo you know about it?  I would have thought that was hardly the sort of lesson that would be given to such a pretty young lady!”
    â€œI do think the French girls, more than other pupils, appreciate the large increase in trade that is currently taking place in every country.”
    Yolanda paused for a moment before she added,
    â€œThe nuns therefore taught us all about the Science of Industry and mentioned the new industries that are being founded in various different countries.”
    â€œI am surprised, Yolanda, and equally very pleased.  You will then understand what I am asking you to do.”
    â€œWhat is that?”
    â€œYou will have doubtless been taught that there has been a great advance in the hulls of steamers.”
    â€œYou mean that they are now steel-hulled?”
    â€œYes, indeed.  The first steel vessel to cross the Atlantic was built in Liverpool in 1867.  Now steel hulls are becoming quite commonplace both in England and America.  In fact, the Royal Navy has built two fast despatch vessels.”
    â€œI did not think, Step-papa, that you would be so interested in ships.”
    Mr. Garrack laughed.
    â€œI am interested in anything what makes money!  Undoubtedly at the moment every new ship being built will have a steel hull and firms all over this country are struggling to improve their steamers and all other types of ship.
    â€œFortunately, we are well in advance of other countries that will have to buy from us until they have learnt to make their own.”
    Yolanda thought that this was all most interesting, but wondered how it concerned her.
    There was another pause before he went on,
    â€œMy friend, who is coming here this evening, is very anxious to buy one particular company that has built quite a number of ships that are nearly finished.  What I want to know is what he is prepared to pay for them.”
    â€œHave you asked him?” enquired Yolanda.
    Her stepfather smiled.
    â€œI don’t think you understand.  I am also interested in these ships and I am anxious that they should become my property, not my friend’s.”
    Yolanda stared closely at him, because she still did not fully comprehend what he was trying to say.
    However, Mr. Garrack continued,
    â€œMr. Harpole does not know that I am also ready to make a deal.  He is staying with me because we are old friends and he also wants my advice on several other firms that have different products to sell.”
    â€œBut won’t he be upset if he finds out you are bidding against him?”
    â€œI think he will be very upset if I am successful!  But I see no need for him to know that I have succeeded where he has failed before he returns to Canada, which is where he is working at the moment.”
    Yolanda gave a little laugh.
    â€œIt all sounds rather complicated!  I only hope, Step-papa, that you are successful and get the ships you want.”
    â€œWell, that, of course, depends on you .”
    â€œOn me!  How can it depend on me ?”
    â€œThat is exactly what I am about to tell you.”
    Yolanda looked at him in astonishment.
    â€œWhen Mr. Harpole dines with us tonight, I shall give him the very best wine from my cellar.  Champagne, claret, port and, of course, excellent liqueurs to follow a magnificent meal.”
    Yolanda thought that sounded like enough alcohol for any man.
    â€œWhen you leave the table as your mother always did after