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Rh "And may I ask why you say it may be your last?"

"You may, since I've nothing to conceal on the p'int, lieutenant. Their price ain't my price, thet's all. I can make more money on my own hook."

"The reason I have come to you is this: Years ago my father owned stock in the company. He died, and when my mother tried to get a settlement—well, they didn't give her near as much as she expected."

"I see." Captain Ponsberry paused. "Well?"

"That was when I was only ten years old,—rather a long time ago. I've never had a chance to look into the claim, but I intend to do so now; and I want to know how the company stands, if you don't mind telling me."

"As I said afore, I have nothing to conceal. So far as I know, the standin' of the concern is good, and it is wuth nigh on to two hundred thousand dollars."

"And who is its head?"

"Mr. Ramsey Polk, a banker, who does business in Richmond and in New Orleans."

"He must be the same Polk who took hold at the time my father died. I remember the name well."