s inevitable. It was Carson's problem to stop such
publicity. Shirley must be silenced. He was found at the public
library and was invited to come to the bank after three o'clock.

"That vindictive speech you made at the church meeting is proving very
costly," said Carson as the brothers seated themselves in the little
consultation room in the rear of the bank. "It affects your own
personal affairs, and seeks to wreck the only concern in the city that
is functioning and making money. Your interest in this bank demands a
retraction of what you said at that meeting."

"Why, I didn't know I had an interest in this bank," said Shirley in
even tones. "In the years past, I have been shunted around from pillar
to post, living on the few small fees received from receiverships and
bankruptcy petitions. And I didn't think that I had banking interests.
I certainly am an object of personal negligence, but hereafter the
matter will have my attention."

Carson was nonplused at both the answer and attitude. He had planned
his remarks, however, and he proceeded along prepared lines.

"Your remarks at that meeting were uncalled for. Your insistence
created enemies. No one at the meeting was in favor of repealing the
amendment and restoring the unwanted saloon. Yours was the attitude of
the drinking ne'er-do-wells of the underworld. Two of those present at
that meeting have withdrawn their account, others will do the same.
You were simply undermining your own foundations."

"And just what sort of a structure stands on my foundations?" drawled
Shirley. "I am a sort of a misfit in the community structure. I do not
live in my family home, am not employed in my family bank, was moved
away from my family's farm, have never been consulted on business or
social affairs since my parents died. Really, I have no foundations
that could be undermined."

Carson's face reddened as he listened to the truth. He walked to the
water-cooler, took a drink, and returned to his seat. "In some things
you are right," he confessed. "When you came home from France, I hoped
you would seek a professional career--would turn to politics and make
a name for yourself and the family. It seemed my business to work hard
and aid in building that career, but you didn't go the way I hoped."

"Just what aid did you render in building such a career? It takes
money to acquire a profession. How much did you contribute?"

Again Carson was unable to make a specific answer