It's mighty little of his capital er surplus gits inter _my_ cash-drawer; 'n' thet's a fact." Uncle John came from the booth, perspiring, but smiling and happy.

He walked across the street to see Joe Wegg, and found the youth seated in a rocking-chair and looking quite convalescent.

But he had company.

In a chair opposite sat a man neatly dressed, with a thin, intelligent face, a stubby gray moustache, and shrewd eyes covered by horn-rimmed spectacles.
"Good morning, Mr.Merrick," said Joe, cheerily; "this is Mr.Robert West, one of the Millville merchants, who is an old friend of our family." "I've heard of Mr.West, and I'm glad to meet him," replied Uncle John, looking at the other calmly, but not offering to shake hands.

"I believe you are the president and treasurer of the Almaquo Timber Tract Company, are you not ?" Joseph looked startled, and then embarrassed, as he overheard the question.