THE BATTALION
5
your friend into the road that leads to happiness, I think you
ought to do it. ”
I wrote to Archie, with as much tact as the subject cal
led for, and the sequel proved that Olsen was not deceived
in his rendition of the young lady’s sentiments.
By this time I was a convert to his own conviction as to
his powers.
One bitterly cold night, we were sitting together in my
office in front of a well filled grate, enjoying the glow, and at
the same time, comforting the inner man with tumblers of
hot punch. I smoked; Olsen did not, but turned the oftener
to ttm bowl.
About twelve, there was a knock at the door. I called
out, “Come in!” and in walked a man of fine presence and
in such apparel as betokened the gentleman. His features
were unmistakably Hebraic; the confident manner increasing
our certainty as to his Semitic blood. There was, however,
not the least touch of insolence in his air; it was rather the
confidingness of the man who is conscious that he has
something good to offer you.
“The hour is late, gentlemen,” said he, “and I owe you
an apology for trespassing upon you, but I come to talk to
you of a loan for the new factory you have in view, and
money wanted is never inopportune when it comes. Is not
that a sound maxim?”
Money was indeed wanted. Olsen and I had put large