His fine, soldierly figure and kindly, white-moustached face, conferred a certain dignity upon his employers, which they seemed to respect and appreciate.
It was on Wednesday that the Major encountered the name of John Merrick on the books.

The account was an enormous one, running into millions in stocks and securities.

The Major smiled.
"That's Uncle John's name," he reflected.

"It would please him to know he had a namesake so rich as this one." The next day he noted that John Merrick's holdings were mostly in western canning industries and tin-plate factories, and again he recollected that Uncle John had once been a tinsmith.

The connection was rather curious.
But it was not until Saturday morning that the truth dawned upon him, and struck him like a blow from a sledge-hammer.
He had occasion to visit Mr.Marvin's private office, but being told that the gentleman was engaged with an important customer, he lingered outside the door, waiting.
Presently the door was partly opened.
"Don't forget to sell two thousand of the Continental stock tomorrow," he heard a familiar voice say.
"I'll not forget, Mr.Merrick," answered the banker.
"And buy that property on Bleeker street at the price offered.