loud about your extension, some of the Steel people will buy you out
at your own price."

"I gave them a scare, anyhow," said Montague, laughing.

"I can wager one thing," said the other. "There has been a fine
shaking up in somebody's office down town! There's a man who comes
here every night, who's probably heard of it. That's Will Roberts."

And the Major looked about the dining-room. "Here he comes now," he
said.

At the farther end of the room there had entered a tall, dark-haired
man, with a keen expression and a brisk step. "Roberts the Silent,"
said the Major. "Let's have a try at him." And as the man passed
near, he hailed him. "Hello! Roberts, where are you going? Let me
introduce my friend, Mr. Allan Montague."

The man looked at Montague. "Good evening, sir," he said. "How are
you, Venable?"

"Couldn't be worse, thank you," said the Major. "How are things with
you on the Street?"

"Dull, very dull," said Roberts, as he passed on. "Matters look bad,
I'm afraid. Too many people making money rapidly."

The Major chuckled. "A fine sentiment," he said, when Roberts had
passed out of hearing--"from a man who has made sixty millions in
the last ten years!"