“Of course, of course,” said Potts, hastily: “I knew your business was enormous, but I thought our dealings with you were considerable.”
“Oh, you are doing a snug business,” said Smithers, in a patronizing tone. “It is our custom whenever we have correspondents who are sound men to encourage them to the utmost. This is the reason why you have always found us liberal and prompt.”
“You have done great service, Sir,” said Potts. “In fact, you have made the Brandon Bank what it is to-day.”
“Well,” said Smithers, “we have agents every where; we heard that this bank was talked about, and knowing the concern to be in sure hands we took it up. My Junior has made arrangements with you which he says have been satisfactory.”
“Very much so to me,” replied Potts. “You have always found the money.”
“And you, I suppose, have furnished the securities.”
“Yes, and a precious good lot of them you are now holding.”
“I dare say,” said Smithers: “for my part I have nothing to do with the books. I merely attend to the general affairs, and trust to my Junior for particulars.”
“And you don’t know the exact state of our business?” said Potts, in a tone of disappointment.
“No. How should I? The only ones with which I am familiar are our American, European, and Eastern agencies. Our English correspondents are managed by my Junior.”