The Morning herald., 1877-02-16
CORD AND CRBBSR.
CHAPTER xxx.
SMITHIKS d co.

"Why did you lsaverasked Potts, breath
lessly.
ha;np in London. Ny man there is reliable.
have bound him to us by giving him a
share in the business. People soon found
ont that Smithers & Co. had made enor-
mo,,s @ sums Of money in California, but
thev don't know exactly how, the immense
evanston of our business during the last
vear filled with wonder. For you know
everv piece ofgold that ] sent home has
heen utilized by my Junior"
Potts was silent and sat looking in
bresthless admiration at this millionaire.
All his thoughts were seen in his face:
Hia whole heart was laid bare, and the
me thing visible was an intense desire to
share in that golden enterprise.
II have originated two companies on
the same principle as the last. The shares
ore selling at large premium in the Lon
don market. take leading part in each,
and my name gives stability to the enter
prise. If l find the thing likely to sue
ceed continue; if not, why l can easily
sell out. ara on the point of organizing
a third company"
"Are the shares taken up%' cried Potts,
eagerly.
Gould / obtain some?'
II really can't say" replied Smithers,
"you might make application to my Ju-
nior. lido nothing whatever with the de-
tails. I don't know what plans or agree
ments he may have been making"
IL Isheuld like exceedingly to take stock.
How do the shares sell?"
''The price is high, as we wish ito con-
fine our shareholders to the richer classes.
We never put it at less than $1,000
SHARE"
II would take any quantity"
"I dare say some may he in the market
yet," said Smithers, calmly, "they proba-
bly, sell at high premium though"
"I'd pay it," said Potts.
"Well you may write andlsee; I know
nothing about it."
"And if they're all, taken up, what
them"
-then-I really don't know. Why
can't you organize company yourself"
"Well, you see, I don't know anything
about the place."
"True; that is disadvantage. But you
might find some people who do know"
"That would be very difficult. do not
zee how we could begin. And if l did find
any one, how could l trust him?"
YOU'D have to do as l did give him a
share of the business"
ut would be much better gif 1 could get
some stock in one of your companies.
Your experience and credit would make
it success"
"Yes, there is no doubt that our compa-
MES would all be successful since we have
a man on the spot"
"And that's another reason why should
prefer buying stock from you. You see
might form company, but what could
doT'
Gould not yeur cashier help you?"
No, not in anything of that sort"
"Well, can say nothing about it. My
Junior will tell you what chances there
are"
but while l zee you personally Ishould
pe glad II you would consent to give me
chance, Have you any obections?'
"Oh no. l will mention your case the
next time write, if you wish it. Still l
cannot control the particular operations of
the office. My control is supreme in GEN
eral matters, and you see it would not be
possible for me to interfere with the small
Ter details"
"Still you might mention me-"
u will DO so," said Smithers, and taking
out mis- pocket book he prepared to write.
LET me see," said he, your Christian
name is-whal?"
"John-John Potts."
John Potts." repeated the, other, and
he wrote it down.
Smithers rose. "You may continue to
draw on us as before, and any purchases
Of stock which you wish willfbe made"
=, ! wish TO see your cashier, to learn his
mode Of managing the accounts. Much
depends upon that, and short conversa-
ton will satisfy me"
Certainly sir, certainly" said Potts,
and he called Philips.
Philips came in as timid and as shrink
ing as usual.
This is Mr.. Smithers, the'great Smith
en Of Smithers g. Co., Bankers; he wishes
10 have talk with you."
Philips looked at the great man with
deep respect and made an awkward bow.
You may come with me to my hotel"
said Smithers, and with slight bow to
Potts he left the bank followed by Philips.
tie went up stairs and into large par
lor on the second story, which looked into
ne street. He motioned Philips to chair !
'ear the window, and seated himself OPP
oosite. ,
Smithers looked at the other with a
earching glance, and said nothing for !
ome time. His large, fell eyes as they
'xed themselves on the face Of the other,