pe, Peters, in the good
news," he quavered. "Everything's all right I trust."

Peters nodded and drew up a chair close to Rock's side. "This one's
about the fishing-boats," he said in a low voice. "They got into a scrap
with the American boats off Northwest Harbor. Bandrist says that
Gregory's fleet won out. Mascola's lay in at the harbor. The _Florence_
burned up and a lot of his other boats are pretty well shot. He couldn't
stop the other fellows at all and they loaded up."

Rock frowned at the news.

"Well, well," he ejaculated. "That is bad. Though not of course as bad
as it might be. No answer to that one, Peters."

A few moments later when the financier was again alone in his office,
the cashier entered. "The credit man from the Canners' Supply Company is
here," he announced. "He's asking for information about the Legonia Fish
Cannery. Thought I'd better refer him to you."

Rock's thick lips closed grimly. "Show him in," he ordered, and bit
savagely at his cigar.

Mr. Booker made his appearance at once. "We have a little account with
the Legonia Fish Cannery," he began. "As it is some time past due we
were beginning to get a little anxious. A word from you will put us
straight."

"What's the amount of your claim?"

"Twelve hundred and thirty-five dollars."

The hopeful expression which had leaped to Rock's face gave place to one
of gloom. Then he asked:

"What is the nature of your claim?"

"Machinery and the labor of installing," supplied Booker.

A gleam of hope entered Rock's beady eyes. "Between you and me, Mr.
Booker," he said. "The Legonia Fish Cannery is pretty much involved at
the present time. Their organization is one which might cause you some
difficulty in securing the amount of your claim. If you care to assign
it to me for collection I think I can handle the matter satisfactorily."

Booker did not notice the suppressed eagerness of the bank president's
tone. He was new at the job, replacing the regular credit man who was
away on his vacation. Perhaps it would be well to accept Mr. Rock's
offer.

"What fee would you charge for your services?" he inquired warily.

Rock spread out his fat hands with a depreciatory gesture.

"Just between friends, Mr. Booker," he said warmly. "Your firm is too
well-known by me to make even a nominal charge for so trifling a favor.
Whatever I am able to do for you in this regard, is yours for the
asking." Seeing that the credit man was wavering, Rock c