"Oh, I'll make it pay," I answered. "The consolidated interests may sweep out the independent companies, but they can't overturn the Great South Midland and Atlantic Railroad."
"It's the road, of course, that has made such a success possible."
"Yes, it's the road—everything is the road, General."
"And to think that when I got control of it, it was bankrupt."
Rising from the table he took my arm, and limped painfully into his study, where he lit a cigar and sank back in his easy chair.
"Look here, Ben," he began suddenly, with a change of tone, "what's this trouble brewing between you and Miss Mitty Bland?"
"There's no trouble, sir, except that her niece has promised to marry me."
"Promised to marry you, eh? Sally Mickleborough? Are you sure it's Sally Mickleborough?"
"I'm hardly likely to be mistaken, General, about the identity of my future wife."
"No, I suppose you ain't," he admitted, "but, good Lord, Ben, how did you make her do it?"