At the hotel where he stopped was a young fellow by the name of Sevier, from Louisiana. He was having his eyes treated by Dr. Saugree, the most eminent oculist in Texas, and a bond of common sympathy drew the young men together. Mutual introductions followed and they became friends.
The second day after his arrival Jack felt much better and Sevier proposed that they visit the Capitol. Jack readily agreed and they were strolling leisurely in that direction when Sevier called his attention to a man on the other side of the street. He was clad in a hickory shirt, coarse baggy trousers, a broad-brimmed felt hat and brogans.
“A cowboy, I presume,” said Jack.
“What I first thought,” Sevier answered dryly. “He is president of the most solid bank in this city. Let me introduce you,” crossing over and bidding Jack follow.
“What are you giving me!” said Jack, thinking it a practical joke.
His new acquaintance was Timothy or “Tim” Watson, who shook hands warmly with Jack and when he heard the name De Vere, he said: “I must introduce you to one of your kin; am on my way to the bank now, but if you’ll go along I’ll attend to some necessary matters there and then take you to her house which is on the same street. From New York, are you? I reckon you don’t know a man there by the name of Andrew Genung?”
Jack’s face beamed with pleasure as he explained how very well indeed he knew him.
“Where did you meet him?” he asked Watson in some surprise.
“In Nevada and Californy, and many’s the jolly good ride we had together behind Hank Monk in the good old staging days,” replied Watson, his face aglow at the pleasure of the memory. But they were now at the bank, and bidding them be seated, he disappeared into an inner office.
Jack mentally contrasted him with the other bank presidents of his acquaintance and unconsciously laughed aloud.