The second Reuben built upon the foundations this afforded him, a fortune as much larger than the first as the rapid growth and increasing capabilities of the country gave him enlarging opportunities to acquire.

It was no longer necessary to deal with savages: his powers were called upon to cope with those of white men who came to a new country to struggle for livelihood and fortune.

Some were shrewd, some were desperate, some were dishonest.

But shrewdness never outwitted, desperation never overcame, dishonesty never deceived the second Reuben Vanderpoel.

Each characteristic ended by adapting itself to his own purposes and qualities, and as a result of each it was he who in any business transaction was the gainer.