“I see. In what city does Brown, Shepherd, & Co. do business?”
“In New York, sir.”
“Merchants, lawyers, bankers, or what?”
“Bankers.”
“Oh, I remember; in Nassau street?”
“Just so.”
Mr. Earle, who had taken up a cigar from his table while this short colloquy took place, stepped forward.
“A very strict firm, thorough, and not much given to showing mercy, eh?”
“Not much,” smiled the man.
“You see!” gesticulated Mr. Earle, turning to Clarke with a significant smile.