And Carroll replied that he had received a letter from the manager the night before which gave most encouraging information concerning the prospects.
"Anything of the United Fuel ?" continued the postmaster.
"Large block just sold, at an advance of six and three-eighths," replied Carroll, blowing the smoke from his mouth.

Carroll inspired confidence by the very quietness and lack of enthusiasm with which he spoke of his enterprises.

All his listeners thought privately that he was in no way anxious to sell his stock, after all.

Perhaps, moreover, he did not intend to sell any but large blocks.

Little Willy Eddy ventured to ask for information on the latter point.
"Mebbe you don't keer nothin' about sellin' of it unless it is in big lumps ?" he queried, timidly.