Page:On to Pekin.djvu/73

Rh "Bound to hold on to a good thing, I see," commented Gilbert, speaking as carelessly as possible. "I suppose you and your father organized the company in the first place."

"Not exactly, although it was father's idea. There was a fellow named Jefferson Pennington used to do quite a business in tobacco and cotton, and some tea and coffee; and the company started out of his trade."

"Oh! then this Pennington is at the top of the concern."

"No, not a bit of it! He's dead years ago."

"And I suppose you scooped his share, too. You must be a smart set."

"Thanks for the compliment, lieutenant. Reckon we are smart; but then, you see, it runs in the blood. Both of my grandfathers were bankers and brokers, and knew how to turn things to the best advantage."

"It's a wonder Pennington and these others didn't kick at being squeezed."

"They did kick; but it didn't do 'em no good, not a bit. We had the whip hand, an' we kept it. Pennington's widow raised a big row, so father has told me; but it ended in smoke."