L. Frank Baum

“ Steve looked around him gloomily and then seated himself beside Orissa upon a bench.
“I suppose we must settle this thing,” he said; “and there’s no doubt we must have money, or we shall face ruin. The thing has cost too much for us to withdraw from it without a heavy loss that would mean privation and suffering for you and mother. If we go to anyone but Burthon we may not get as good an offer as he makes, for men with money are eager to take advantage of a poor fellow in need. ”

“ I can’t blame Burthon much. I don’t suppose there’s a rich man living who wouldn’t hold us up in the same selfish way. And so—”
He paused, shrugging his shoulders.
“So you think we’d better accept Mr. Burthon’s proposition and give him a half interest?” she asked. ”

“ The aircraft is already built and tested. It is a proved success, and the best aëroplane in all the world. Why should we give a half interest in return for a little money?”
He hesitated; then replied coldly:
“Because the invention is useless without the means to publicly demonstrate it, and establish it on a paying basis. At present your airship is without the slightest commercial value. ”