West, without altering his position of careless ease, glanced over the rims of his glasses at the speaker.
"I am the humble individual you refer to, Mr.Merrick," he said, briefly.
"But the Almaquo timber all burned down." remarked Joe, thinking an explanation was needed.
"That's a mistake," returned Mr.Merrick.

"My company has paid Mr.West, as treasurer of his company, more than fifty thousand dollars during the last three years." West's jaw dropped.
"Your company!" he exclaimed, as if mystified.
"Yes; I own the controlling interest in the Pierce-Lane Lumber Company, which has the contract to cut your timber," answered Mr.Merrick.
The hardware dealer slowly arose and glanced at his watch.
"I must get back to my store," he said.

"You are somewhat in error about your company, Mr.Merrick; but I suppose your interests are so large and varied that you cannot well keep track of them.

Good morning, sir.

I'll see you again soon, Joe.