“Oh yes. In New York the house of Peyton Brothers do a business of ten times the amount--yes, twenty times. In San Francisco a new house, just started since the gold discoveries, has done a business with us almost as large. In Bombay Messrs. Nickerson, Bolton, & Co. are our correspondents; in Calcutta Messrs. Hostermann, Jennings, & Black; in Hong Kong Messrs. Naylor & Tibbetts; in Sydney Messrs. Sandford & Perley. Besides these, we have correspondents through Europe and in all parts of England who do a much larger business than yours. But I thought you were aware of this,” said Mr. Smithers, looking with a swift glance at Potts. “Of course, of course,” said Potts, hastily: “I knew your business was enormous, but I thought our dealings with you were considerable.” “Oh, you are doing a snug business,” said Smithers, in a patronizing tone. “It is our custom whenever we have correspondents who are sound men to encourage them to the utmost. This is the reason why you have always found us liberal and prompt.” “You have done great service, Sir,” said Potts. “In fact, you have made the Brandon Bank what it is to-day.” “Well,” said Smithers, “we have agents every where; we heard that this bank was talked about, and knowing the concern to be in sure hands we took it up. My Junior has made arrangements with you which he says have been satisfactory.” “Very much so to me,” replied Potts. “You have always found the money.” “And you, I suppose, have furnished the securities.” “Yes, and a precious good lot of them you are now holding.” “I dare say,” said Smithers: “for my part I have nothing to do with the books. I merely attend to the general affairs, and trust to my Junior for particulars.” “And you don’t know the exact state of our business?” said Potts, in a tone of disappointment. “No. How should I? The only ones with which I am familiar are our American, European, and Eastern agencies. Our English correspondents are managed by my Junior.” “You must be one of the largest houses in London,” said Potts, in a tone of deep admiration. “Oh yes.” “Strange I never heard of you till two years or so.” “Very likely.” “There was a friend of mine who was telling me something about some Sydney merchants who were sending consignments of wool to you. Compton & Brandon. Do you know them?” “I have heard my Junior speak of them.” “You were in Sydney, were you not?” “Yes, on my last tour I touched there.” “Do you know Compton & Brandon?” “I looked in to see them. I think Brandon is dead, isn’t he? Drowned at sea--or something of that sort?” said Smithers, indifferently. “Yes,” said Potts. “Are you familiar with the banking business?” asked Smithers, suddenly. “Well, no, not very. I haven’t had much experience; but I’m growing into it.” “Ah! I suppose your directors are good business men?” “Somewhat; but the fact is, I trust a good deal to my cashier.” “Who is he?” “His name is Philips, a very clever man; a first-rate accountant.”