Dear Sir:
In my opinion the best man to appoint as division superintendent of the Manateau Midland is John Steele, at present general manager of the Burdock route. He was formerly employed on the Midland in various capacities, and was promoted entirely through efficiency. Although the position he occupies on the Burdock is nominally higher than that left vacant by my resignation, yet I think Mr. Steele would be content with less honour and more money.
Yours faithfully,
Philip Manson.
As Steele looked up from the reading of this letter Rockervelt said sharply:
“I think you are the man referred to by Manson?”
“Yes, sir.”
“It is rather strange that you should have taken all the trouble to attach my car to your train when I had left word with Manson to get into communication with you, and arrange an interview between you and me at Portandit.”
“I was merely anticipating your wishes, Mr. Rockervelt. It is lucky I rang off Philip Manson last night so abruptly at the telephone, for I imagine this is what he was about to tell me.”
“How much are they giving you on the Burdock route?” asked Rockervelt abruptly.