his fresh, pink countenance, with that air of
unaffected sincerity that was redeemed from bluffness only by its
exquisite calculation, with that promptitude and masterly decision of
manner that so well suited his calling--with all his stock in trade
well to the front; he stepped forward to receive Colonel and Mrs.
Peyton Blaylock. With the grace of a grand marshal or a wedding usher,
he escorted the two passengers to a side of the upper deck, from which
the scenery was supposed to present itself to the observer in increased
quantity and quality. There, in comfortable steamer chairs, they sat
and began to piece together the random lines that were to form an
intelligent paragraph in the big history of little events.

"Our home, sir," said Colonel Blaylock, removing his wide-brimmed,
rather shapeless black felt hat, "is in Holly Springs--Holly Springs,
Georgia. I am very proud to make your acquaintance, Mr. Bloom. Mrs.
Blaylock and myself have just arrived in Okochee this morning, sir, on
business--business of importance in connection with the recent rapid
march of progress in this section of our state."

The Colonel smoothed back, with a sweeping gesture, his long, smooth,
locks. His dark eyes, still fiery under the heavy black brows, seemed
inappropriate to the face of a business man. He looked rather to be an
old courtier handed down from the reign of Charles, and re-attired in a
modern suit of fine, but raveling and seam-worn, broadcloth.

"Yes, sir," said Mr. Bloom, in his heartiest prospectus voice, "things
have been whizzing around Okochee. Biggest industrial revival and
waking up to natural resources Georgia ever had. Did you happen to
squeeze in on the ground floor in any of the gilt-edged grafts,
Colonel?"

"Well, sir," said the Colonel, hesitating in courteous doubt, "if I
understand your question, I may say that I took the opportunity to make
an investment that I believe will prove quite advantageous--yes, sir, I
believe it will result in both pecuniary profit and agreeable
occupation."

"Colonel Blaylock," said the little elderly lady, shaking her gray curl
and smiling indulgent explanation at J. Pinkney Bloom, "is so devoted
to businesss. He has such a talent for financiering and markets and
investments and those kind of things. I think myself extremely
fortunate in having secured him for a partner on life's journey--I am
so unversed in those formidable but very useful branches of learning."