He jest cried about Phrony." Keith wrote a note to Wickersham.

He referred to the current rumors that the cutting had run over on their side, suggesting, however, that it might have been by inadvertence.
When this letter was received, Wickersham was in conference with his superintendent, Mr.Matheson.The interview had been somewhat stormy, for the superintendent had just made the very statement that Keith's note contained.

He was not in a placid frame of mind, for the work was going badly; and Mr.Plume was seated in an arm-chair listening to his report.

He did not like Plume, and had wished to speak privately to Wickersham; but Wickersham had told him to go ahead, that Plume was a friend of his, and as much interested in the success of the work as Matheson was.

Plume's satisfaction and nonchalant air vexed the Scotchman.