“How are independence and public spirit these days?” “Very well, thank you. How are Development Companies developing?” He put back his head and laughed. He did not seem a bit chagrined or discomfited. The joke was on him, but he could enjoy it, nevertheless. In spite of my antagonism toward this man I could not help admiring certain traits of his character. He was big, in every way. Little repulses or setbacks did not trouble him. “Say,” he said, “how did you know about that cat?” “Saw his footprints,” I replied. “They were all over the scheme. And your friend Keene purred too loud.” “I don't mean that. Keene was a fool; that was plain enough for anyone to see. I had to use him; if Barclay hadn't been sick it might have been different. But how did you come to send me that message about the butter? Man, that is one of my favorite sayings--the choking the cat thing! How did you know that? I never said it to you.” “Oh, it is an old saying. I have heard it often; and it did seem to fit in this case. I imagined you would understand and appreciate.” “Um--yes,” dryly. “I appreciated all right. As to understanding--well, I'll understand later on. That's another little conundrum for me to work out. Somebody's been talking, of course. Here! hold on!” as I was walking away: “Don't go. I want to talk to you.” He characteristically did not ask whether or not I wanted to talk to him, but, as I happened to be in no hurry, I stopped and waited for him to continue. He thrust his hands into his pockets and looked me over, very much as he might have looked over a horse he was thinking of buying. “Paine,” he said, suddenly, “do you want to go to work?” “Work?” I repeated. “I am at work already.” “You've got a job, such as it is. It might be work for the average jay, but it isn't for you. I'll give you something to work at--yes, and work for.” I stared at him in wondering suspicion. “What is this; another Development Company?” I demanded. “Ha! ha! not this time. No, this is straight. If you'll say that you'll work for me I'll make an opening for you in my New York office.” I did not answer. I was trying to fathom the motive behind this new move. “I'll put you to work in my office,” he went on. “It may not be much to begin with, but you can make it anything you like; that'll be up to you. As to salary--well, I don't know what you're getting in that one-horse bank, but I'll double it, whatever it is. That will be the start, of course. After that it is up to you, as I said.” “Mr. Colton this may be a good joke, but I don't see it--yet.” “I don't joke often in business; can't afford to.” “You are really serious? You mean what you say?” “Yes.” “But why? You don't know anything about me.”