Some one of his men set to work,
and he was a little clumsy about it--that's all."
"But why did he want to know about all my family affairs?"
"Why, he wanted to know how you were situated," said the other--"how
badly you wanted to sell the stock. So when he came to do business
with you, he'd have you where he wanted you, and he'd probably get
fifty per cent off the price because of it. You'll be lucky if he
doesn't have a few loans called on you at your bank."
The Major sat watching Montague, smiling at his naivete. "Where did
you say this road was?" he asked. "In Mississippi?"
"Yes," said Montague.
"I was wondering about it," said the other. "It is not likely that
it's Jim Hegan at all. I don't believe anybody could get him to take
an interest in Southern railroads. He has probably mentioned it to
someone else. What's your road good for, anyway?"
"We had a plan to extend it," said Montague.
"It would take but one or two millions to carry it to the main works
of the Mississippi Steel Company."
The Major gave a start.
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