"Thanks for the compliment! You're quite a diplomatist, Holm—I haven't seen you in that rôle before."
Holm put his head on one side and looked at the banker with a quizzical expression.
"Haven't you—though? Not in the little matter of the Spanish frigate?"
"Ah, yes—you had me there, I'm afraid. Very neatly done, though, very neat. There'll be a nice little profit on the repairs, I'm sure—but it's all in the family now."
The conversation was becoming more genial in tone, and when the cigars were lit the two old antagonists were chatting away like the best of friends.
Holm invited the banker to a "little family party" the same evening, to celebrate the double event. Hermansen accepted with thanks, and the pair separated with a cordial shake of the hand.
Holm walked back to the office with his hat at a more than usually rakish angle, as was his way when in high spirits. He swung his stick cheerfully, and felt a comforting sense of superiority in all directions. There was no one to oppose him now.
"Hello, you're looking unusually perky to-day! What's it all about?" This was from Vindt, who was sure to be quick on the scent of anything new.
"I've just come from my so-called brother-in-law, Hermansen, that's all, my boy."
"Oho! Distinguished brother-in-law, what?"