When he hung up the receiver Uncle John was smiling.

Then he called for the Chicago firm.
With this second advertising company he met with more difficulties, and Mr.Warren had to come to the telephone and assure the man that Mr.
Merrick was able to pay all he agreed to, and that the money was on deposit in his bank.

That enabled Mr.Merrick to conclude his arrangements.

He knew that he was being robbed, but the co-operation of the big Chicago firm was necessary to his plans.
Then, the telephone having served its purpose, Mr.Warren took Uncle John across the street to the newspaper office and introduced him to Charley Briggs, the editor.
Briggs was a man with one eye, a sallow complexion and sandy hair that stuck straight up from his head.

He set type for his paper, besides editing it, and Uncle John found him wearing a much soiled apron, with his bare arms and fingers smeared with printer's ink.
"Mr.Merrick wants to see you on business, Charley," said the banker.
"Whatever he agrees to I will guarantee, to the full resources of my bank." The editor pricked up his ears and dusted a chair for his visitor with his apron.