He thanked him, and said that he might call on him.
Once there came near being a clash between Mr.Wickersham and General Keith.

When Mr.Wickersham mentioned that he had invited a number of members of the legislature--"gentlemen interested in the development of the resources of the State"-- to meet him, the General's face changed.
There was a little tilting of the nose and a slight quivering of the nostrils.

A moment later he spoke.
"I will have everything in readiness for your--f--for your guests; but I must ask you to excuse me from meeting them." Mr.Wickersham turned to him in blank amazement.
"Why, General ?" The expression on the old gentleman's face answered him.

He knew that at a word he should lose his agent, and he had use for him.

He had plans that were far-reaching, and the General could be of great service to him.
When the statesmen arrived, everything on the place was in order; they were duly met at the station, and were welcomed at the house by the owner.