Chapter 12

I told Duke about the plan; he already knew about my intentions of starting up a stable. I begged him for his sponsorship and told him that I would start paying him back the money he would give me to invest after the end of the first year. I also promised to pay him an extra fifty percent of what he had given me to start up this business of mine as interest, at least to stimulate him to give me the money.

I came to realize that Duke was actually a very good listener. He listened actively and even asked me questions. Thanks to my extensive readings and research while I was at the stables, I was able to skillfully answer all his questions.

While we were talking, someone ran to him and said, “Sir, the first portion has been finished; should I commission the next portions immediately?”

“Let the workers who are ready to take the next portions immediately keep on working. However, allow those who are tired to rest for a little while, and when they are fit, they also can