Ferret was chuckling with admiration. If Judge made the ideal bank president, Deacon was certainly unsurpassed as a funeral director. Ferret remembered the day — not long ago — when Deacon had made his debut here.
The funeral parlor had been for sale. Deacon had arrived in town, to look over the business situation. He had immediately arranged to purchase the place.
Now, Howard Best was the new Middletown undertaker. He had started in enterprising fashion. A shipment of modern caskets had arrived in town to replace the antiquated coffins which had made up the former stock.
Ferret lounged along the street, and finally reached the house where he lived. He was to dine at the home of the bank president. Others would be there, and after dinner, Ferret expected a most important discussion.
It was six o'clock when Ferret wended his way to the residence of David Traver. The bank president was a bachelor, who lived alone. He had made it a habit to invite certain of his employees and associates to dinner, on occasion. Tonight, Ferret, respected under the name of Joel Hawkins, rubbed shoulders with some of the elite of Middletown.
One man, in particular, engaged his interest. That was Harvey Bronlon, who was the most important man in Middletown.
Bronlon had become a great factor in the life of the community. That was apparent from the conversation that passed between him and Judge during dinner — conversation to which all listened with intense interest.
"There are great days ahead for Middletown, Mr. Bronlon," declared Judge, in an impressive tone. Bronlon nodded his massive head. A huge bulk of a man, he looked like an overfed lion. He stared about the group with eyes that peered solemnly from beneath overhanging eyebrows.
"If Middletown is progressing," he said, "such capable men as you are to be thanked for it, Mr. Traver."
"No," said Judge, shaking his head in a kindly manner. "A bank merely reflects the prosperity of the people, and adds to the stability of the community. It is a man like you, who possesses enterprise, that brings progress."