"He might feel under obligations to do for me what he would not be inclined to do otherwise," Keith explained. "Oh, I don't think you need have any apprehension on that score," Mr. Creamer said, with a glint of amusement in his eyes. "It is a matter of business, and I don't think you will find business men here overstepping the bounds of prudence from motives of sentiment." "There is no man whom I would rather have go into it with me; but I shall not ask him to do it, for the reason I have given. Good morning." The banker did not take his eyes from the door until the sound of Keith's steps had died away through his outer office. Then he reflected for a moment. Presently he touched a bell, and a clerk appeared in the door. "Write a note to Mr. Norman Wentworth and ask him to drop in to see me--any time this afternoon." "Yes, sir." When Norman Wentworth called at Mr. Creamer's office he found the financier in a good humor. The market had gone well of late, and Mr. Creamer's moods were not altogether unlike the mercury. His greeting was more cordial than usual. After a brief discussion of recent events, he pushed a card across to his visitor and asked casually: "What do you know about that man?" "Gordon Keith!" exclaimed the younger man, in surprise. "Is he in New York, and I have not seen him! Why, I know all about him. He used to be an old friend of mine. We were boys together ever so long ago." He went on to speak warmly of him. "Well, that was long ago," said Mr. Creamer, doubtfully. "Many things have happened in that time. He has had time to change." "He must have changed a good deal if he is not straight," declared Norman. "I wonder why he has not been to see me?" "Well, I'll tell you what he said," began Mr. Creamer. He gave Keith's explanation. "Did he say that? Then it's true. You ought to know his father. He is a regular old Don Quixote." "The Don was not particularly practical. He would not have done much with coal and iron lands," observed the banker. "What do you know about this man's knowledge of such things?" Norman admitted that on this point he had no information. "He says he knows Wickersham--your friend," said Mr. Creamer, with a sly look at Norman. "Yes, I expect he does--if any one knows him. He used to know him. What does he say of him?" "Oh, I think he knows him. Well, I am much obliged to you for coming around," he said in a tone of dismissal. "You are coming to dine with us soon, I believe? The Lancasters are coming, too. And we expect Rhodes home. He's due next week." "One member of your family will be glad to see him," said Norman, smiling. "The wedding is to take place in a few weeks, I believe?" "I hear so," said the father. "Fine young man, Rhodes? Your cousin, isn't he? Been very successful?" "Yes."