"Well," he laughingly said, "that has been my experience with John Chamberlin.
It never crosses my mind to say him 'nay.' Often I have turned this over in my thought to reach the conclusion that being a man of sound judgment and worldly knowledge, he has fully considered the case--his case and my case--leaving me no reasonable objection to interpose." John obtained an act of Congress authorizing him to build a hotel on the Government reservation at Fortress Monroe, and another of the Virginia Legislature confirming this for the State.

Then he came to me.

It was at the moment when I was flourishing as "a Wall Street magnate." He said: "I want to sell this franchise to some man, or company, rich enough to carry it through.

All I expect is a nest egg for Emily and the girls"-- he had married the beautiful Emily Thorn, widow of George Jordan, the actor, and there were two daughters--"you are hand-and-glove with the millionaires.

Won't you manage it for me ?" Like Grant and Arthur, I never thought of refusing.