From the band saw they passed to a planing machine, and then to several used for turning out moldings, and to a dozen or more lathes. At one machine spokes for wagon wheels were dropping forth at the rate of several a minute, and at another he saw hammer handles made by the score. Then he came to the shingle machines, and was shown that which the proprietor of the place thought so good. It certainly was a beautiful machine, and the way it turned out the shingles was a sight to witness. "The other machines are good enough," said Philip Rice. "But the shingles from them are more or less rough, and contractors are apt to kick when they use them. These shingles, as you see, are as smooth as can be and will be worth a little more money in consequence." After going through the mill, Owen visited the dry kiln. This was an exceedingly hot place, and he was glad to leave it and go into the immense yard to get the fresh air. "Next year I am going to build an addition to the mill, and manufacture sashes and blinds, doors, and all kinds of trimmings," said Philip Rice. "Can you get the trade for those things?" "Indeed, I can. Why, I am now shipping goods to Denver and Omaha, as well as to points in the South, and last week a Chicago lumber dealer was here for shingles. Besides, we ship by water to half a dozen different countries. I could send stuff right to New York City if I wished." "Where do you get your lumber?" "All from up the river. Your people used to supply a good deal of it, but after you made that contract with the railroad I had to reach out further." "I suppose Mr. Balasco made that contract, didn't he?" "I think he did--he and a man named Hildan, who was in business with Balasco years ago. Your Mr. Wilbur wanted to keep on with me, so I understand." This was said inquiringly, but Owen merely shrugged his shoulders. "I can't say as to that, Mr. Rice. I'm a newcomer here. I came West only a few weeks ago." "I used to know Wilbur years ago, and he was a fine fellow. I wish he was here now, instead of Ulmer Balasco." "Do you? So do I," answered Owen, before he had stopped to think twice. "Ah, then you know Jefferson Wilbur?" "Yes, sir. He helped a friend and myself to get out here. We were out of a job and he gave us a letter of recommendation to Mr. Balasco." "I see. What is Mr. Wilbur doing now?" "Attending to his lumber affairs in New York, I believe." "Well, he ought to come out here--I think it would do him good." There was a significant tone in Philip Rice's voice that did not escape Owen's notice. He wondered if he had best ask this man some questions concerning Ulmer Balasco and Foxy Hildan. "Has Mr. Balasco been here long?" he questioned in an off-hand manner. "About a year and a half. He used to have a claim up the river of his own, but he joined forces with Wilbur, and they formed the Wilbur-Balasco Company, and Balasco settled here and runs things to suit himself." "Doesn't Mr. Wilbur come out at all?"