It would have puzzled any one when faced with facts to understand why he had the name of a hard man, but he had it, whether justly or not.

"He's as hard as nails," people said.

His employes hated him--that is, the more turbulent and undisciplined spirits hated him, and the others regarded him as slaves might a stern master.

When Robert started his work in his uncle's office he started handicapped by this sentiment towards his uncle.

He looked like his uncle, he talked like him, he had his same gentle stiffness, he was never unduly familiar.