Reed and Harris looked at each other questioningly. It did not seem possible.
“But,” went on Ketchim, “have you seen the morning papers? They are full of the revolution in Colombia. The country is torn wide open, and reports say nothing can be done down there until peace is restored––and that may take a year or two. But, meantime, we will go ahead and organize the new company and take over Molino and prepare to begin work just as soon as you fellows can get into that country. Everybody has simply got to wait until then. And so this,” going to Carmen and taking her hand, “is the wonderful little girl! Well! well!”
The entrance of Mrs. Ketchim and her troop of children at this juncture interrupted the conversation. “All enthusiastic Simití stockholders,” said Ketchim, waving his hand toward them, after the introductions. “And all going to get rich out of it, too––as well as yourselves, boys. It simply shows how Providence works––one with God is a majority, always.”
Carmen glanced up at him wonderingly.
Dinner over, the men were left alone. Carmen had been taken upstairs by the children to the nursery.
“I’ve got myself slated for the presidency of the new company,” said Ketchim, plunging again into the subject nearest his heart; “and I think we’d better put brother James in as vice-president. Perfectly safe,” looking at Harris and winking. “He’s got to be recognized, you know, since the Ketchim Realty Company act as fiscal agents. Now for directors I’ve put down Judge Harris, your father––that’s to assure you boys that there’ll be some one to look after your interests. Then we’ll say Reverend Jurges for another. He’s got a big congregation and will be able to place a lot of stock. You just ought to see the letter he wrote me about selling stock to his people! You’d never believe he was a good, spiritually-minded clergyman, with an eye single to heavenly riches! Then one of you fellows, say Reed, had better go on the directorate, since Harris will be in Colombia in charge of operations. And––well, Cass, too. He’s young and immature, but absolutely square. He’ll do all the legal work for his stock interest. We save money that way, see?”
“But what do I do while we are waiting?” asked Harris in some perplexity. “Reed goes to California right away, you know.”
“That’s all right, old man,” Ketchim genially assured him. “The new company will be organized at once––this week, if possible. You go on salary from the moment of its incorporation, and you open your office right here in this building. I’ll see that the rent is paid until you go back to Colombia. Everything’s arranged, and you turn right in and help Cass with the new company. There’ll be plenty to do. You’ve got to prepare circulars; write boosting letters to stockholders and prospects; follow up leads; and––oh, you’ll be busy! But here comes Reverend Coles,” looking out of the window as a man came up the steps. “He’s interested in some projects I’ve been exploiting. Just excuse me for a few moments.”
He hastened out to greet the visitor and conducted him into a back room. Reed and Harris were left to the contemplation of their own mixed thoughts. Presently Harris, whose eyes had been dilating for some moments, broke out in a hoarse whisper: “Listen! God a’mighty!––he’s praying!”