"Oh, ho! You are one of the creditors! Captain Warren, I'm surprised. I
sized you up as a shrewder judge of investments."

Captain Elisha colored. "I judged that one correct," he answered. "If
I hadn't thought 'twould have turned out that way I never would have
plunged. You see, old man Chase was a friend of mine, and--However," he
added, hastily changing the subject, "we've strayed some off the course.
When I mentioned the Stock Exchange I did it because my brother was a
member of it, and I cal'late you might have known him."

Pearson was astonished. "Your brother was a member of the Exchange?" he
repeated.

"Um-hm. Never would have guessed it, would you? I s'pose you cal'late
all the stock I knew about was on the hoof. Well, I have been acquainted
with other breeds in my time. My brother's name was Abijah Warren--A.
Rodgers Warren, he called himself."

The effect of this announcement was instantaneous and electric. The
young man sat back in his chair.

"A. Rodgers Warren was your brother?" he cried.

"Um-hm. Seems to stagger you some. Contrast between us as big as all
that comes to?"

"But--but, Captain Warren--Your brother--Tell me, is Miss Caroline
Warren your niece?"