“You must be one of the largest houses in London,” said Potts, in a tone of deep admiration.
“Oh yes.”
“Strange I never heard of you till two years or so.”
“Very likely.”
“There was a friend of mine who was telling me something about some Sydney merchants who were sending consignments of wool to you. Compton & Brandon. Do you know them?”
“I have heard my Junior speak of them.”
“You were in Sydney, were you not?”
“Yes, on my last tour I touched there.”
“Do you know Compton & Brandon?”
“I looked in to see them. I think Brandon is dead, isn’t he? Drowned at sea—or something of that sort?” said Smithers, indifferently.