“None,” answered Tommy, quickly.
“Nonsense! You are entitled to at least two and a half per cent, and more—”
“It was a personal favor to me,” said Tommy, “because Mr. Thompson thought I could work better knowing I had interested friends in the company.”
The colonel rose to his feet. “Mr. Leigh, I have a favor to ask of you. If you think I am entitled to your protection and good wishes—” He paused and looked questioningly at Tommy.
“You are,” said the puzzled Tommy, quite earnestly.
“Then keep that damned man Thompson out of New York. Gad! he'd have us paying him for breathing. Now if you don't mind I'll write some letters and sign your check. You can have it certified if you wish.”
The colonel rang a bell. Mr. Kendrick appeared. He was a tall, well-built man, neatly dressed in black.
“Kendrick, this is Mr. Thomas Leigh. Make out a check for two hundred thousand dollars, payable to the Tecumseh Motor Company, and write a letter to—Got a middle name, Tommy?”
“Yes, sir—Francis.”
“To Mr. Thomas Francis Leigh, instructing him to have the two thousand shares of Tecumseh Motor Company which he has sold to me put in your name. I shall give instructions as to their disposition later. Good-by, Tommy. Confine your future visits to my residence. You are an expensive luxury down-town, son.” And Colonel Willetts shook hands warmly.