These two men had known each other since childhood, had gone through the business college together, and shared with each other their happiest moments. Even now, when they were competitors, they continued to visit each other as often as their work would permit. They did not envy each other; the business spirit had made them broad-minded and generous; they toyed with ship-loads, dealt in large amounts, had daily before their eyes enormous successes or imposing ruin. Once Tidemand had expressed admiration for a little yacht which Ole Henriksen owned. It was two years ago, when it was known that the Tidemand firm had suffered heavy losses in a fish exportation. The yacht lay anchored just outside the Henriksen warehouse and attracted much attention because of its beautiful lines. The masthead was gilded. Tidemand said: "This is the most beautiful little dream I have ever seen, upon my word!" Ole Henriksen answered modestly: "I do not suppose I could get a thousand for her if I were to sell her." "I'll give you a thousand," offered Tidemand. Pause. Ole smiled. "Cash?" he asked. "Yes; I happen to have it with me." And Tidemand took out his pocketbook and paid over the money. This occurred in the warehouse. The clerks laughed, whispered, and wondered. A few days later Ole went over to Tidemand's office and said: "I don't suppose you would take two thousand for the yacht?" "Have you got the money with you?" "Yes; it just happens that I have." "All right," said Tidemand. And the yacht was Ole's once more.... Tidemand had called on Ole now in order to pass away an hour or so. The two friends were no longer children; they treated each other with the greatest courtesy and were sincerely fond of each other. Ole got hold of Tidemand's hat and cane, which he put away, at the same time pointing his friend to a seat on the little sofa. "What may I offer you?" he asked. "Thanks--nothing," said Tidemand. "I have just had my dinner at the Grand." Ole placed the flat box with Havanas before him and asked again: "A little glass? An 1812?" "Well, thank you, yes. But never mind; it is too much trouble; you have to go down-stairs for it." "Nonsense; no trouble at all!" Ole brought the bottle from the cellar; it was impossible to tell what it was; the bottle appeared to be made of some coarse cloth, so deeply covered with dust was it. The wine was chilled and sparkling, it beaded in the glass, and Ole said: "Here you are; drink hearty, Andreas!" They drank. A pause ensued. "I have really come to congratulate you," said Tidemand. "I have never yet made a stroke like that last one of yours!" It was true that Ole had turned a trick lately. But he insisted that there really was nothing in it that entitled him to any credit; it was just a bit of luck. And if there was any credit to bestow, then it belonged to the firm, not to him. The operations in London had succeeded because of the cleverness of his agent. The affair was as follows: