It is a very important matter and--" Now Tom had not discussed the Jackson well, except casually with Judge Halloran, but every word that "Bob" spoke rankled, so he interrupted with a resentful query: "Ain't I equal to han'le an important deal ?" "Bob" acknowledged quickly that he was.

She had not meant to criticize his ability to conduct negotiations of the very highest importance, but she was surprised, in view of her earnest request, that he had even mentioned this particular matter to anybody.

She reminded him that insurance was his forte, and that their understanding had been that she was to take exclusive charge of their oil business.

While she was talking, Tom realized with a disagreeable shock that of late there had been no insurance written, none whatever.

He had given the matter no thought, but such was undoubtedly the case, and in his daughter's words he felt a rebuke.