"It seems to me that your admiration for the American people sometimes makes you a little weak in your logic," he answered with good-humor. He was so pleased by Selma's gratification that he was disposed to exorcise his scruples. "I have always told you that I was more of a patriot than you, Wilbur." The bond had not been returned by Williams at the time he sent the money, and some fortnight later--only a few days in fact after this drive, Littleton received another cheque for $500 and a request that he call at the office. "I thought you would like to see the instruments of torture at work--the process of lamb-shearing in active operation," Williams explained as he shook hands and waved him into his private room. After a few easy remarks on the methods of doing business the broker continued, "I flatter myself that for so small an investment and so short a time, I have done tolerably well for you." "I scarcely know how to express my thanks and my admiration for your skill. Indeed I feel rather awkwardly about--" "That's all right, my dear fellow. It's my business; I get my commission. Still I admit friendly regard--and this is why I suggested your dropping in--by introducing the personal equation, makes one nervous. If instead of closing out your account, I had in each instance held on, you would have made more money. I was glad to take this responsibility at first because you were a neophyte at the business, but I think it will be more satisfactory both for you and for me that in future transactions you should give me the word when to reap the profit. Of course you shall have all the information which I possess and my advice will be at your command, but where a man's money is concerned his own head is apt to be the wisest counsellor. Now I took the liberty yesterday of selling for you two hundred shares of Reading railroad. You can cover to-day at a profit of one point--about $200. I do not urge it. On the contrary I believe that the market, barring occasional rallies, is still on the downward track. I wish, however, to put you in a position where you can, if you desire, take advantage of the full opportunities of the financial situation and save myself from feeling that I have robbed you by my friendly caution." "In other words you don't wish to speculate with my money," said Littleton. "You wish me to paddle my own canoe."