"Old-fashioned," answered Robert Kimberly.
"What kind of influence?"
"In public affairs, I don't know. In trade they are not dangerous, though MacBirney is ambitious and full of energy. The father-in-law was a fine old fellow. But he died just before the reorganization. I don't know how much money they've got now."
"They haven't much," remarked Nelson.
"We bother them a good deal from San Francisco," continued Robert Kimberly, reflecting, "but that is expensive. Ultimately we must own more factories in Colorado. Of course, as far as that goes, I would rather build new plants than remodel rat-hospitals."
Charles Kimberly straightened up and turned himself in his chair. "Ten years of peace is worth a good deal to us. And if MacBirney can insure that, we ought to have it. All of this," he appealed to Robert, as he spoke, "is supposing that you are willing to assent."
"I do not assent, chiefly because I distrust MacBirney. If the rest of you are satisfied to take him in, go ahead."
"The others seem to be, Robert."
"Then there is nothing more to be said. Let's get at the depreciation charges and the estimates for next year's betterments, so we can go over the new capitalization."
While the conference went on, the muffled hum of gathering motor-cars came through the open windows.