youth who is employed here. I shall always be I sorry I never thought of it myself,” replied Hatton.
“I see,” murmured the president. “It’s a good idea. A fine one. We must do something for the youth. He may grow up into a manager some day, eh?” And the president smiled good naturedly. “Make mention of him in writing to the Boston office next time. Put the line through at once. It will be a great saving. Hm! Let me see. What else was there? The ore—No, that’s copper. Ah, here it is,” and producing his spectacles the president slowly read from his small book, “In re Flat-Top ridge disputed line.”
Hatton cleared his throat and said, “I fear that Nace has the under hold in that matter. He’s crooked, but I don’t see how we can prove it.”
Pulling his spectacles to the tip of his nose the president stared at the cold-faced man in amazement for a moment, and then exploded, “What! What’s this? You mean to tell me the Great Northern can be done up by a swindler?”
Hatton could have replied that swindlers are usually the persons who “do people up,” but he coughed gently and replied, “There seems to
