"Can you answer my question, Mr. Philips?" demanded the senior, sternly.
"I cannot, sir; Mr. Whippleton has charge of the finances. When credits have been given, they have been on time notes, which are paid as they mature," I answered.
"We had thirty thousand surplus capital on the first of January."
"Mr. Whippleton has laid in a large stock of lumber."
"And now wishes to increase it, after the best business of the year is over. I don't understand it."
"Nor I, sir."
"You don't?"
"No, sir; and since you have spoken to me about the matter, I wish to add that I think something is wrong."
"What do you mean, Mr. Philips?"
"I suppose I ought not to meddle with what does not concern me."