The first stock subscriber to the Retail Cigar Dealers' Consolidation became as knowingly jovial as the genial promoter. "It listens good to me," he declared, and shook hands. The big man got up to go, but turned and came back. "By the way," said he, "I don't know the cigar men in this town, and if you have a couple of friends in the business who would like to help form this incorporation with the same advantages you have, let's go see them." Mr. Nickel was already throwing off his apron and eye shade, and now he took his coat and hat from their hook. "I've got two of them, and they ain't too darned smart, either," he stated, showing wise forethought in that last remark; then, putting the flabby man in charge of the store, he went out and _rode in that carriage_! CHAPTER XXVII MR. WALLINGFORD GAMBLES A BIT AND PICKS UP AN UNSOLICITED PARTNER In the smart carriage Mr. Wallingford took Mr. Nickel and his two friends down to his hotel for lunch to talk over the final steps in the great consolidation. The chief thing the three remembered when they left the hotel was that they had been most liberally treated in the matter of extravagant food and drink, and that the lunch had cost over twenty dollars! Also they recalled that the distinguished-looking head waiter had come over to their table half a dozen times to see that everything was served at the proper minute and in the pink of condition. Nobody but a rich man could command that sort of attention, and they left the table not only willing but thankful to take any business tonic this commercial genius should prescribe. As they passed the desk, the manager called Mr. Wallingford to him, and the great promoter, instantly bidding his friends good-by, promised to see them to-morrow. Then he walked back to the manager. "Good morning, Senator," said that official, shaking hands. "How are they treating you? Nicely?" "Very well, indeed," replied Wallingford, "except I'd like to have corner rooms if I could get them." "I know; you spoke of that last week. I've been trying to secure them for you, but those apartments are always dated so far ahead. I think the corner suite on the second floor will be vacant in a day or so, though, and I'll let you know. By the way, Mr. Wallingford"--this in the most pleasantly confidential tone imaginable--"I'm afraid I'll have to draw on you. The proprietor is a little strict about his rules, and you have been here two weeks to-day." "Is that so?" exclaimed Wallingford, very much surprised. "I'll have to look after that," and he reached out his hand with courteous alacrity for the bill which the manager was handing to him. Without the quiver of an eye-lash he glanced over the items and stuck the bill in his pocket. "I'm glad you spoke of it. I'm rather careless about such matters," and he walked away in perfect nonchalance.