He was hardly thirty at this time, but could already be called a rich man.
His "deal" with Vandover had given him a taste for real estate, and now and then, with the greatest caution, he made a few discreet investments.
At present he had just completed a row of small cottages across the street from the boot and shoe factory.

The cottages held two rooms and a large kitchen.

Geary had calculated that the boot and shoe concern would employ nearly a thousand operatives, and he had built his row with the view of accommodating a few of them who had families and who desired to live near the factory.

His agents were Adams & Brunt.
It was toward half-past five, there was nothing more that Geary could do that day, and for a moment he leaned back in his swivel chair, before going home, smiling a little, very well pleased with himself.

He was still as clever and shrewd as ever, still devoured with an incarnate ambition, still delighted when he could get the better of any one.