"Heyjohn, I'll take your shares at 20c in exchange for a forward...

"Heyjohn, I'll take your shares at 20c in exchange for a forward dated cheque 29 Sep 2015. OK?"

Hi mrspeculator,

As I'm sure you know, my offer was a flippant comment in response to freetrade's suggestion that the 43c Caplin valuation was somehow still relevant, despite the fact that the SP is / was 10% of that figure.

Your offer to take them off my hands today and pay in 2015 is appreciated, and taken in the spirit it was doubtless made, but unfortunately it is not quite attractive enough to tempt me. And besides, this credit crisis doesn't just apply to merchant banks you know!

If you are seeking a seven year line of credit to pay five times face value for scrip in an Angolan prospecting company, please see my mate George at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC. I believe he has got 700 billion dollars to toss around. It may take a while, as the queue currently winds all the way up to Lower Manhattan.

If only Smyth would work to our plan instead if his!

Best wishes
John