"I suppose he laid the foundation of his fortune there."
"Is he so rich, then?"
"Yes, probably worth a quarter of a million."
This was an exaggeration, but rich men's wealth is generally overstated.
"How does he stand in the city?"
"First-class. He has been mentioned for mayor. I shouldn't be surprised if he might get the office some day."
"He has certainly been very lucky."
"I should say so. Was he rich in California?"
"Not when I knew him. At one time there he had to borrow money of me. He paid me back last evening."
"He is on the top of the ladder now, at any rate."